Page 46 - Laying Down the Law

Psalms 51:6, 10
Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part You will
make me to know wisdom... Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a
steadfast spirit within me.

Christ demonstrated a harmony between the outward action and the inner heart
condition. He was truly the Lamb without spot or blemish. He was and is altogether
beautiful and without defect. His heart is pure. He desires that our inner life be
perfect and that it accord with our outward actions. After revealing that the
righteousness of God goes beyond the letter of the Law in its prohibition against
murder, Christ passes on to other Laws.

Matthew 5:27-28
“You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit
adultery.' But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has
already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

Matthew 5:31-32
“Furthermore it has been said, 'Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a
certificate of divorce.' But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any
reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever
marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.”

Matthew 5:38-42
“You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But
I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right
cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away
your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one
mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to
borrow from you do not turn away.”

Matthew 5:43-45
“You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your
enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good
to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute
you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven... THEREFORE YOU
SHALL BE PERFECT, JUST AS YOUR FATHER IN HEAVEN IS
PERFECT.”

Observe how Christ goes beyond the shadow of the Law in every instance. He
reveals that the righteousness of God is much fuller, richer, and substantial. What is
extremely revelatory is how Yahshua closes this subject. He declares that we are to be
PERFECT as our heavenly Father is PERFECT.