The Significance of “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.”

The phrase “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” is a powerful christian law used by Jesus in Matthew 5:18 from the Sermon on the Mount, about the enduring nature of the Moses law. In this law, Jesus emphasizes that the law is not abolished but rather fulfilled in his own life and ministry. This law has significant implications for understanding the relationship between Jesus and the Old Testament law.

Context of the Phrase

The law appears within Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, a collection of teachings focusing on right living and morality for spreading God’s message. The law “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” is found in the Gospel of Matthew 5:18 within the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus is addressing the misconceptions that some people have about the law, and some believed that the law was no longer necessary because Jesus had come to fulfill it. However, Jesus clarifies that he did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it, meaning to complete and bring it to its intended purpose. He explains that the law is still valid and that his teachings are not meant to replace or contradict it but to deepen and expand its meaning.

Significance of the Phrase

The law “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” is significant because it affirms the enduring authority of the law. It means that the law is not abolished but rather fulfilled in Jesus himself. It means that the law is still relevant and binding for Christians.

This fulfillment is understood in several ways:

The law highlights the importance of inward transformation. True obedience to the law is not about external actions but about a heart that is transformed by God.

The law points to the new covenant that he established through his death and resurrection. The new covenant is not a rejection of the old covenant but rather a fulfillment of it.

Application of the Phrase

The law “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” is a powerful reminder of the enduring authority of the law and the importance of inward transformation. It is a statement that Christians should ponder deeply as they seek to follow Jesus’ teachings and live lives that are pleasing to God.

The law has important applications for Christian life:

First, it means that we must approach the law with reverence and respect. The law is God’s word and reflects his character.

Second, it means that we must not let the law become a burden. The law is meant to be a guide for our lives, not a means of earning God’s favor.

Third, it means that we must strive to fulfill the law in our thoughts, words, and actions. The law is not about a rule-based faith but about a lifelong spiritual process of growth and transformation.

Remember, the law is a reminder that the law is not something to be ignored or dismissed. It is a gift from God that can help us live lives that are filled with meaning and purpose.