Hebrews 7:18-19

Hebrews 7:18-19 The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.

2 Samuel 22:31 As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.

Matthew 5:48 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect is the gospel. The Law could not make people perfect; it could only show man's sinfulness. The Law revealed God's righteousness, but conversely, the Law revealed man's fallen state under the wrath of God. If we must be perfect, how can we see God or be with him or reveal him to others, for the Bible says all have sinned and gone astray as sheep from a shepherd. If we must be perfect and if the Law cannot make us perfect because it has no power to change us, what can we do to please God? As David knew, we must take refuge in God, hide in him. David was a man after God's own heart, yet scripture show him as flawed man. But, David approached God with a contrite or tender heart. He knew God was his only refuge; he had to depend on God's mercy and grace for forgiveness of his sins. Jesus Christ is our hiding place, our shield and defender, our Redeemer and Lord. Jesus gave his life that we might flee to him, abide in him. He shed his blood and rose again that we might be perfect, clothed in his perfection. No longer exposed to God's wrath as a man in the middle of a violent storm, we trust in our salvation as our lives are hidden with Christ in God.

Neither the law nor our efforts could make us perfect. Peter questioned the Pharisee Christians who wanted to reestablish the Law by circumcising the Gentiles: Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? (Acts 15:10) Peter indicates that none of them were able to follow the Law completely. Rather than releasing them from sin, the Law was a yoke, a heavy burden, a mirror reflecting their sin and confirming their separation from God, for they could not fulfill the law in their hearts. Jesus said, if you even think about breaking the law, such as harboring a lustful or adulterous thought, you have broken all the law because we must be perfect inside and out. God judges our actions and the intent of our hearts. Jesus places an even greater burden on people by declaring if we do not love our enemies, we are not perfect. And imperfection will never enter God's presence. Considering this, who can enter God's dwelling place, his eternal rest? Who can boldly bring their petitions before the throne of God and look forward to eternity with him? The answer is, NO ONE! Outside of God's grace, all fall short of his perfection. However, Hebrews declares, The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God. We find this hope in Jesus Christ and HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS. Peter's answer to those who wanted to reestablish the law was, No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved. (Acts 15:11) Jesus makes right with God who then adopts us into his family.

My friend is the Law good? Yes, it is good, for it reveals the nature of God to us by allowing us to understand the purity of God and our sinful nature. But the Law cannot save: only Jesus Christ can rescue us from sin and deliver us perfect and holy to the Father. Therefore, live IN JESUS and stop trying to please God through the Law, through your good deeds or acts of piety, for Jesus fulfilled or completed the demands of the Law by sacrificing himself once and for all in fulfillment of all the demands of the Law. We trust in his works and not our own as we place our lives in his hands and please the Father. As Christ lived, we also should live: as servants, as those who love their neighbor, as those who bless their enemies and do good to their persecutors. Above all else, we should love God with all our hearts, minds, strength, and souls. God conceived a perfect plan to set aside the Law because it could not make us perfect; but IN CHRIST, we are like him, perfect in the eyes of our loving Father God.