Tag: telos

Romans 13:7 – Yes, Taxes! Really!

Posted on by Will

Therefore give to everyone what is due to them: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.

Truth to Learn

Christians should submit to all authorities and pay taxes.

 

Behind the Words

“Give” is translated from the Greek word apodidōmi, which is made up of apo, meaning “off or away” and didōmi, meaning “to give.” Hence, apodidōmi means “to give away” or “to give over.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command.

The word “due” is from opheilē, which means “indebtedness or that which is owed.”

The word “taxes” is from the Greek noun phoros, which we looked at in the previous verse. Today we would call it a property tax or a sales tax.

“Customs” is from the Greek word telos, which properly means “the end, termination, or completion of a thing.” Figuratively, however, it refers to “a toll, custom, or tribute, particularly what is paid for public purposes for the maintenance of the state.” This can be roughly equated to our national income tax. In the New Testament a “publican” or “tax collector” was referred to as a telōnēs (literally, a tax farmer).

 

Meaning Explained

Since all of those in authority over us are put there by God, including those government officials who are corrupt or dishonest, we need to show the proper submission and respect to their position. The Apostle Paul says that we are to give them what is due them (what we owe them). This is encompassed in four areas according to Paul. The first two areas are taxes imposed by authorities, including such taxes as sales tax, property tax, and state and federal income taxes.

The next area, Paul tells us, is that we are to show fear those to whom fear is due. That is, we should have a respectful fear of those who have the task of keeping the public peace and order. This most likely refers to police or military personnel who are assigned to keep the public safety. And finally, Paul tells us that we are to give honor to whom honor is due. The difference between honor and fear is that honor denotes reverence, veneration, and respect, whereas fear is that which arises from the dread of punishment.”

Jesus gave us a couple of good examples of a couple of these types of submission. The first is in Matthew 22:15-21. In this passage Jesus was challenged by the Pharisees and Herodians, asking whether or not it is proper to give tribute to Caesar. Jesus’ response was:

Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things which are God's.

The second is at the end of the 17th chapter of Matthew. When the temple tax collectors came and challenged Peter about paying the drachma (the temple tax). Jesus told Peter to cast a fishing line into the sea and catch a fish. In the fish’s mouth was found precisely the amount to pay the temple tax for both Peter and Jesus, and it was paid.

 

Application

If Jesus was willing to pay tribute to Caesar and pay the temple tax to corrupt religious leaders, then we should gladly follow His example!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2018 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 10:4 – Condemned or Forgiven?

Posted on by Will

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who is believing.

Truth to Learn

Christ completely fulfilled the righteous requirements of the Law. We achieve His righteousness by faith in His blood.

 

Behind the Words

The word translated “end” is the Greek word telos, which means, “the point aimed at as a limit, that is, (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state.” This word telos can also mean “the design or object of something.”

“Everyone” is the translation of the word panti, which means “all, the whole, or everyone.”

 

Meaning Explained

Paul has just told us that in spite of their zeal for God, the Israelites were ignorant of God’s righteousness and, as a result, tried to establish their own righteousness. The Law and the Prophets prescribed what was required for anyone to satisfy God’s righteousness. In fact, it is much more than just the Ten Commandments. Anyone who has read through the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy quickly becomes aware of all the ceremonial practices that the Jews were required to perform. Included in these was the annual sacrifice of the Pascal Lamb whose blood covered over the sins of the people.

If you compare these practices to what Jesus Christ went through, you will see that He perfectly fulfilled what the Law required of the Pascal Lamb. In fact, the practices prescribed in the Old Testament were an image, a foreshadowing, of what the real Sacrificial Lamb would do for the people. Jesus completely fulfilled the requirements of the Law. Not only did He live without sin but He offered His blood as the payment for all of our sins. Recorded in the book of Matthew we find what Christ Himself said in the Sermon on the Mount;

Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. (Matthew 5:17)

In the current verse Paul says that Christ is the end of the law, that is, the conclusion or fulfillment. Christ said of Himself that He came to fulfill the Law. Paul now tells us that He did just that. He completed it.

As we pointed out in Behind the Words, telos also means “the design or object of something.” Christ also fulfilled this meaning of the word because He is what the Law had in view as the object when it was first given. So we see that not only was the death of Christ foreseen and foreshadowed by the Law, but His death was the full satisfaction of it in every way.

 

Application

Paul tells us that the righteousness of God is a reality only for those who believe in the sacrificial death of Jesus as the Lamb of God. He says that this righteousness is applied to everyone who believes God’s promises. No one who believes in Christ will be left out. However, for those who don’t believe in Christ, righteousness cannot be achieved no matter how hard they try and no matter how zealous and sincere they are. They can’t achieve it by works and they are still responsible for their own sins. They will stand before God condemned instead of forgiven!

How will you stand before God?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2018 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Peter 4:7 – End-Time Actions

Posted on by Will

But the end of all things is near; therefore be clear minded and self-controlled unto prayers.

Truth to Learn

The end is very near, so be serious about what you do and how you pray.

 

Behind the Words

The word translated “end” is telos, which is derived from the verb tellō, meaning “to set out for the goal or target.” Hence, telos refers to “the goal, the end, or the completion.”

“Is near” is from the Greek verb engidzō, which means “to approach or to make near.” It is expressed here in the perfect tense indicating past completed action with an ongoing effect, but the emphasis is on the effect. Hence, it means that the end has approached and, therefore, is now close at hand.

 

Meaning Explained

There is some disagreement as to what Peter means by “the end is very near.” There are three predominant views. The first is that Peter is referring to the end of the Jewish temple worship in Jerusalem. In Peter’s mind, as in the minds of many early church believers, Christianity was simply an extension of the Jewish belief system. At the time of the writing of this epistle (around 65 AD), the Roman government was increasingly displeased with the Jewish resistance to Roman rule. As it turns out, not many years after the publication of this letter, the Jewish temple along with much of the city of Jerusalem was, in fact, destroyed by the Romans.

The second interpretation of this phrase is that it refers to the coming of the Messiah to judge the nations. It was the belief of the early church that the return of Christ was not a distant future event, rather something that could occur at any time.

The third interpretation is that Peter simply means the end of earthly life for the suffering believers to whom he is writing. This interpretation seems to lend itself to the subject matter that Peter has been talking about in the previous verses; although, any of the interpretations could be valid.

However you interpret the opening phrase of this verse, the message from Peter is that since time is running short we need to take some specific action. There is something sobering about believing the end is near that causes us to take stock of our lives, knowing how quickly life can end.

Peter is telling us to take stock now, since time is short. Be sober minded and let our sober attitude result in prayers. We Christians have a hope that the world doesn’t understand. We know that existence doesn’t end when we die. In fact, for a Christian, that is when it really begins. What we have here on this earth is simply the preliminary part of our lives when we will determine how the eternal part is spent.

Life on this earth is short; it can end quickly, and Jesus Christ could return at any moment. All the prophetic events that precede His return have occurred with the exception of the rapture of His church. Let us not waste our last remaining days on this earth with frivolous activities. Instead, let us be sober minded and spend our time in watchful prayer, especially for those who have not yet received the gift of salvation.

 

Application

The end is near! Therefore, let us watch… and pray… and witness, with our lives as well as our mouths!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Peter 1:9 – True Saving Faith

Posted on by Will

receiving the culmination of your faith—the salvation of your souls.

Truth to Learn

Faith in the blood of Jesus Christ as payment for your sins guarantees the salvation of your soul.

 

Behind the Words

The word “receiving” is translated from a form of komidzō, which means “to bring” or “to receive.” It is expressed here in the middle voice, which in Greek means an action that is done by the subject of the verb to itself. Hence, here it means “receiving to yourself …”

The Greek word translated “culmination” is telos, which properly means “the point aimed at” and by implication means the “conclusion,” “culmination,” or “ultimate result.”

 

Meaning Explained

This verse ties back to the last part of verse 7, “the appearing of Jesus Christ.” If you look at the key verbs that follow this phrase you find, “having not seen,” “believing,” and “receiving.” If we consider these together we can see what Peter is saying regarding the coming of Jesus Christ. Even though we have not seen Him, we believe in Him, and will, as the final result of that faith, obtain salvation. Here Peter tells us that the ultimate result of our faith will culminate in the salvation of our souls.

In a positional sense, we have already received salvation, that is, in God’s record book we are already marked as righteous (saved). But, that salvation isn’t fully consummated until He comes back to take us home. At the rapture of the church, the salvation of our souls will be completed when we receive our immortal bodies:

Behold, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed – in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. (1Corinthians 15:51-54a)

This concludes Peter’s first lesson for us: we rejoice in the trials which refine and purify our faith because it is that faith which guarantees our salvation which will be received at the coming of Jesus.

What Peter is not saying in this passage is that we have to “keep our faith and not lose it” because he already made it abundantly clear that we were chosen to salvation by God Himself and the preponderance of scriptural evidence makes it very clear that He will not lose us. For example, Jesus said:

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand. I and the Father are one." (John 10:27)

 

Application

If your church has taught you that you can lose your salvation through willful sin, a cardinal sin, or the unpardonable sin, let me ease your mind. The writings of the New Testament, including the testimony of Christ Himself, make it clear that no one can take that salvation from you (not even you)!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 2:16 – Proclaim It Fearlessly

Posted on by Will

hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved, so as always to fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has suddenly come upon them to the uttermost.

Truth to Learn

Christians are to share the Gospel, in spite of persecution.

 

Behind the Words

“Hindering” is translated from the Greek verb kōluō, which is related to the noun kolos, which refers to “a dwarf.” The verb kōluō means “to weaken” or “to cut off.” In its common usage, it means “to hinder, restrain, or prevent.”

Laleō is the verb translated “speaking.” It refers to verbal conversation in general, as opposed to the content of the conversation, which would be the word legō.

The word “Gentiles” is from the Greek noun ethnos. This word literally refers to “a group of people belonging and living together.” In Greek secular writing, it primarily refers to “a race of people” or “a nation.” The Jews used this word to refer to anyone who was not a Jew, that is, a Gentile.

“Saved” is translated from sodzō, which means “to rescue from danger or destruction.” It is expressed here in the subjunctive mood, indicating the possibility or probability of it happening.

“Always” is translated from pantote, which is made up of a form of pas, meaning “all” and tote, meaning “then.” Therefore, pantote means “all the time.”

The words “fill up” are from anaplēroō. This is composed of ana, meaning “up,” used as an intensifier, and plēroō, meaning “to fill.” Thus, anaplēroō means “to fill up completely.

The words “has suddenly come upon” are from the verb phthanō, meaning “to come suddenly and unexpectedly.”

“Uttermost” is from telos, meaning “the termination,” “the completion,” or “the end.”

 

Meaning Explained

The Thessalonian Christians were just told that they are suffering in the same way as the Christians in Judea, at the hands of their own countrymen. Paul now describes the motivation behind such persecution. He says that their countrymen were hindering them from having conversations with the people around them so that these people might not hear and believe the gospel message, thus getting saved.

This sounds very contemporary, doesn’t it? Even in our own country, which was originally based on religious freedom and the freedom of speech, our countrymen are trying to prevent us from spreading the good news. Prayer has been taken out of our schools and teachers are forbidden from sharing the Gospel message. Discussions about sin and salvation are hindered in the workplace and many government offices have forbidden the display of Christian materials.

But Paul tells us that the consequences of such hindering of the Gospel will be far worse for those who are hindering our witness than they will be for us. Their actions will be judged at the Great White Throne Judgment and they will experience the wrath of God, while we will only know the peace of God.

 

Application

Don’t be discouraged from sharing the Gospel message with people around you. Keep in mind that it is “… the power of God unto salvation …” (Romans 1:16) that causes people to believe, not your own persuasiveness.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Corinthians 2:6 – Wise Maturity

Posted on by Will

However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.

Truth to Learn

Mature Christians understand the true wisdom of God’s Word.

Behind the Words

“We speak” is translated from the Greek verb laleō, which means “to speak.” It is a reference to the ability to speak rather than the quality of speech. It is expressed here in the present tense, active voice, and indicative mood, which implies current continuous action.

The word “mature” is translated from a form of telos, meaning “the goal, completion, or end purpose” of something. As used here, it is a reference to those who are complete or fully grown. It could be a reference to those who have reached adulthood, or it could be a reference to mature Christians, as implied in Hebrews 13:20, 21.

Aiōn is the word translated “age.” It is a reference to a period of time or of the characteristics of that time period. Paul is probably referring to the time before the return of Christ.

The word “rulers” is from archōn, which means “one who is first in rank or power,” that is, a ruler.

The words “coming to nothing” are translated from the verb katargeō. This word is made up of kata, used as an intensifier, and argeō, which means “to be idle.” Katargeō generally means “to be completely useless or without purpose.”

Meaning Explained

In verse four, Paul talked about some of the things that are not characteristics of his teaching and preaching style. In today’s verse he talks about something that is characteristic of his style. In the previous chapter he contrasted the worldly view of the gospel message (foolishness) with the supposed wisdom of the world’s teachers. Throughout this chapter he has been talking about his wise method of delivering the simple gospel message.

After describing the wisdom of the world as foolish and un-wise, he now tells us about the true wisdom of God’s Word. Our faith is not based on the wisdom of men, as he said in yesterday’s verse, but on true wisdom. This true wisdom is spoken to those who are mature. As we pointed out in Behind the Words, the Greek word telos refers to someone who has reached spiritual maturity; however, many of the Corinthian Christians were anything but mature in their faith.

This seems to be a slight jab at those who had been so easily distracted from the simple truths of the good news. They were not spiritually mature. So, what Paul means is that those who are mature in their Christian faith would understand the wisdom that he is talking about. The immature Christians in Corinth were still under the impression that the wisdom of the philosophers and sophists was desirable. However, Paul points out that the supposed great ones of the world system not only were not very wise, but their lack of true wisdom will eventually result in their total destruction.

Application

Are you seeking after truth and godly wisdom? If so, you won’t find it in the world. You will only find it in the Word of God, faithfully taught by those who are well grounded in the Bible.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

1 Corinthians 1:8 – Preserved Blameless

Posted on by Will

who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Truth to Learn

Christians are now, and will always be, blameless according to Jesus Christ’s judicial action on our behalf.

Behind the Words

The verb “confirm” is from the word bebaioō, which we looked at a couple of verses back. It means “to be made certain or secure.” In verse six it was expressed in the aorist tense, indicating action completed at a point in time in the past. In today’s verse, however, it is expressed in the future tense, indicating action that will take place in the future.

Heōs is the Greek word translated “until.” As it is used here it means “all the way until.”

“The end” is translated from telos, which refers to “the end point or the completion.” Here it refers to “the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The word “blameless” is from the Greek anegklētos, which is made up of the privative a, meaning “not” and egkaleō, which means “to accuse in court.” Anegklētos literally means “unaccused” or “free from any legal charge.”

Meaning Explained

This is an excellent verse for those who believe that if we sin intentionally, commit a particularly heinous sin, or insult God too many times, we will lose our salvation. Remember that salvation is an act of God, in which by His grace He records us as sinless because Jesus Christ has paid for all our sins (past, present, and future). Paul tells the Corinthians (and us) that just as our salvation was confirmed in us by the gifts we received (see verse six), He will also confirm us (make us certain and secure) to the end. If you are a genuine born-again Christian, there is nothing you can do to “undo” your salvation because God has confirmed it and will confirm it until the end. Therefore, unless you are stronger than God, once you are saved, you are saved forever!

Now, look carefully at what specifically is confirmed about us when we get saved. Paul says, “who will also confirm you to the end blameless …” Once we have been saved and cleansed from sin by the blood of Christ, we cannot be blamed for anything in God’s courtroom. “But,” you might ask, “what about Revelation 12:10, where it says that Satan accuses us day and night?” We needn’t be worried about Satan’s accusations for two reasons. The first is that we have a defense attorney in heaven according to the Apostle John:

… And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. (1 John 2:1)

The second reason is in today’s verse: God will preserve us blameless to the end. Satan may accuse us, but our defense attorney will testify on our behalf and, through His shed blood, have the case thrown out of court because we are blameless.

Application

Every person who ever lived (except Jesus Christ) and who will ever live is a sinner because we have a sin nature that causes us to sin. Christians, however, have had the penalty for those sins paid for by the blood of Christ. Does that mean that we no longer sin? No, but it means that the debt has already been paid, and we are innocent of any charge brought before our God and Judge!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

1 Thessalonians 2:16 – Proclaim It Fearlessly

Posted on by Will

forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved, so as always to fill up the measure of their sins; but wrath has come upon them to the uttermost.

Truth to Learn

Christians are to share the Gospel, in spite of persecution.

Behind the Words

“Forbidding” is translated from the Greek verb kōluō, which is related to the noun kolos, which refers to “a dwarf.” The verb kōluō means “to weaken” or “to cut off.” In its common usage, it means “to hinder, restrain, or prevent.”

Laleō is the verb translated “to speak.” It refers to verbal conversation in general, as opposed to the content of the conversation, which would be the word legō.

The word “Gentiles” is from the Greek noun ethnos. This word literally refers to “a group of people belonging and living together.” In Greek secular writing, it primarily refers to “a race of people” or “a nation.” The Jews used this word to refer to anyone who was not a Jew, that is, a Gentile.

“Saved” is translated from sodzō, which means “to rescue from danger or destruction.” It is expressed here in the subjunctive mood, indicating the possibility or probability of it happening.

“Always” is translated from pantote, which is made up of a form of pas, meaning “all” and tote, meaning “then.” Therefore, pantote means “all the time.”

The words “fill up” are from anaplēroō. This is composed of ana, meaning “up,” used as an intensifier, and plēroō, meaning “to fill.” Thus, anaplēroō means “to fill up completely.

The words “has come upon” are from the verb phthanō, meaning “to come suddenly and unexpectedly.”

“Uttermost” is from telos, meaning “the termination,” “the completion,” or “the end.”

Meaning Explained

The Thessalonian Christians were just told that they are suffering in the same way as the Christians in Judea, at the hands of their own countrymen. Paul now describes the motivation behind such persecution. He says that their countrymen tried to prevent them from having conversations with the people around them so that these people might not hear and believe the gospel message, thus getting saved.

This sounds very contemporary, doesn’t it? Even in our own country, which was originally based on religious freedom and the freedom of speech, our countrymen are trying to prevent us from spreading the good news. Prayer has been taken out of our schools and teachers are forbidden from sharing the Gospel message. Discussions about sin and salvation are hindered in the workplace and many government offices have forbidden the display of Christian materials.

But Paul tells us that the consequences of such hindering of the Gospel will be far worse for those who are hindering our witness than they will be for us. Their actions will be judged at the Great White Throne Judgment and they will experience the wrath of God, while we will only know the peace of God.

Application

Don’t be discouraged from sharing the Gospel message with people around you. Keep in mind that it is “… the power of God unto salvation …” (Romans 1:16) that causes people to believe, not your own persuasiveness.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 13:7 – Yes, Taxes! Really!

Posted on by Will

Romans 13:7 – Yes, Taxes! Really!

Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.

Truth to Learn

Christians should submit to all authorities and pay taxes.

Behind the Words

“Render” is translated from the Greek word apodidōmi, which is made up of apo, meaning “off or away” and didōmi, meaning “to give.” Hence, apodidōmi means “to give away” or “to give over.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command.

The word “due” is from opheilē, which means “indebtedness or that which is owed.”

The word “taxes” is from the Greek noun phoros, which we looked at in the previous verse. Today we would call it a property tax or a sales tax.

“Customs” is from the Greek word telos, which properly means “the end, termination, or completion of a thing.” Figuratively, however, it refers to “a toll, custom, or tribute, particularly what is paid for public purposes for the maintenance of the state.” This can be roughly equated to our national income tax. In the New Testament a “publican” or “tax collector” was referred to as a telōnēs (literally, a tax farmer).

Meaning Explained

Since all of those in authority over us are put there by God, including those government officials who are corrupt or dishonest, we need to show the proper submission and respect to their position. The Apostle Paul says that we are to give them what is due them (what we owe them). This is encompassed in four areas according to Paul. The first two areas are taxes imposed by authorities, including such taxes as sales tax, property tax, and local and federal income tax.

The next area, Paul tells us, is that we are to fear those to whom fear is due. That is, we should have a respectful fear of those who have the task of keeping the public peace and order. This most likely refers to police or military personnel who are assigned to keep the public safe. And finally, Paul tells us that we are to give honor to whom honor is due. The difference between honor and fear is that honor denotes reverence, veneration, and respect, whereas fear is that which arises from the dread of punishment.”

Jesus gave us a couple of good examples of a couple of these types of submission. The first is in Matthew 22:15-21. In this passage Jesus was challenged by the Pharisees and Herodians, asking whether or not it is proper to give tribute to Caesar. Jesus’ response was:

Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things which are God’s.

The second is at the end of the 17th chapter of Matthew. When the temple tax collectors came and challenged Peter about paying the drachma (the temple tax). Jesus told Peter to cast a fishing line into the sea and catch a fish. In the fish’s mouth was found precisely the amount to pay the temple tax for both Peter and Jesus, and it was paid.

Application

If Jesus was willing to pay tribute to Caesar and pay the temple tax to corrupt religious leaders, then we should gladly follow His example!

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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Romans 10:4 – Condemned or Forgiven?

Posted on by Will

Romans 10:4 – Condemned or Forgiven?

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

Truth to Learn

Christ completely fulfilled the righteous requirements of the Law. We achieve His righteousness by faith in His blood.

Behind the Words

The word translated “end” is the Greek word telos, which means, “the point aimed at as a limit, that is, (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state.” This word telos can also mean “the design or object of something.”

“Everyone” is the translation of the word panti, which means “all, the whole, or everyone.”

Meaning Explained

Paul has just told us that in spite of their zeal for God, the Israelites were ignorant of God’s righteousness and, as a result, tried to establish their own righteousness. The Law and the Prophets prescribed what was required for anyone to satisfy God’s righteousness. In fact, it is much more than just the Ten Commandments. Anyone who has read through the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy quickly becomes aware of all the ceremonial practices that the Jews were required to perform. Included in these was the annual sacrifice of the Pascal Lamb whose blood covered over the sins of the people.

If you compare these practices to what Jesus Christ went through, you will see that He perfectly fulfilled what the Law required of the Pascal Lamb. In fact, the practices prescribed in the Old Testament were an image, a foreshadowing, of what the real Sacrificial Lamb would do for the people. Jesus completely fulfilled the requirements of the Law. Not only did He live without sin but He offered His blood as the payment for all of our sins. Recorded in the book of Matthew we find what Christ Himself said in the Sermon on the Mount;

Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. (Matthew 5:17)

In the current verse Paul says that Christ is the end of the law, that is, the conclusion or fulfillment. Christ said of Himself that He came to fulfill the Law. Paul now tells us that He did just that. He completed it.

As we pointed out in Behind the Words, telos also means “the design or object of something.” Christ also fulfilled this meaning of the word because He is what the Law had in view as the object when it was first given. So we see that not only was the death of Christ foreseen and foreshadowed by the Law, but His death was the full satisfaction of it in every way.

Application

Paul tells us that the righteousness of God is a reality only for those who believe in the sacrificial death of Jesus as the Lamb of God. He says that this righteousness is applied to everyone who believes God’s promises. No one who believes in Christ will be left out. However, for those who don’t believe in Christ, righteousness cannot be achieved no matter how hard they try and no matter how zealous and sincere they are. They can’t achieve it by works and they are still responsible for their own sins. They will stand before God condemned instead of forgiven!

How will you stand before God?

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2010 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

If this message or this link was forwarded to you by a friend and you wish to receive future verses directly to your inbox, send an e-mail to: