Q 18: How are the Ten Commandments related to Jesus, the Redeemer?

A 18: Jesus fulfilled the Ten Commandments and all the Law of God, by perfectly obeying all that God requires for salvation and eternal life, and by bearing all the wrath of God which the Law threatens those who disobey it. (Matt. 5.17-19; 1 Jn. 5.1-6; Rom. 6.23)

Theologians describe two aspects of the obedience of Jesus Christ whereby all who believe in Him have salvation and life.

The first, Jesus’ active obedience, describes His attitudes, demeanor, and practice during the years of His earthly sojourn. Jesus consciously, deliberately, and completely fulfilled all the requirements of God’s Law for those who would live in favor with Him. His righteousness is the only righteousness God acknowledges as meriting His eternal favor. Believers, as they grow in grace, increase in the righteousness of Jesus Christ, Who increases in them, and not in any righteousness of their own.

In His passive obedience Jesus submitted to all the sanctions of the Law which are intended against disobedient sinners. Thus, He bore in His own body the wrath of God against sinners, so that both in the righteousness of God and in His justice, Jesus Christ alone is sufficient to merit, secure, and extend the gift of forgiveness and salvation to those who believe in Him.

If you are not receiving Crosfigell, our thrice-weekly devotional, sign up at our website today. T. M.’s latest book, Satan Bound: A Theology of Evil, is now available in our bookstore.