Are Christians Under the Law?

Christians often ask if they are under the Old Testament law. Jesus answers this question six times in the Sermon on the Mount. His answers demonstrate that we aren’t under the law because we are supposed to be above the law. Each time Jesus says, “you have heard…” and gives a passage of the law. Then He shows what we are supposed to do by stating, “But I say to you…”

Matthew 5:21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder,’ and whoever murders will be liable to judgment. 22 But I say to you that anyone who is angry with his brother shall be subject to judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of the fire of hell…”

Matthew 5:27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart…”

Matthew 5:31 “It has also been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, causes her to become an adulteress…”

Matthew 5:33 “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.’ 34 But I say to you, do not swear at all…”

Matthew 5:38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person…”

Matthew 5:43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. 44 But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…”

If you are above the law, then you can’t be under it!

Dr. J. Clontz

Biblical text excerpted from The Comprehensive New Testament.