Christmas: A Story of Fulfillment - The Law Fulfilled

In 1779, John Newton wrote the hymn, Let Us Love And Sing And Wonder. In that song, he writes, “Let us love and sing and wonder, let us praise the Savior’s name. He has hushed the law’s loud thunder, he has quenched Mount Sinai’s flame. He has washed us with his blood; He has brought us nigh to God.” Newton captures an essential truth of the gospel, Jesus has fulfilled the law’s requirements. His active obedience is the basis for God to justify the ungodly.

Luke, probably recording Mary’s testimony as an eyewitness of these events, recounts Jesus being circumcised the eighth day, according to the law. In addition, his parents sacrificed two birds in obedience to the law of redemption for the firstborn of every family. Luke says, “When they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee.” This is critical for the ministry of our Lord, who is sent to the meet all the requirements of the Law to redeem his people.

Jesus’ obedience becomes the basis for our justification by faith. What this means is that our obedience is not sufficient for our salvation. Our obedience cannot satisfy the law’s requirements and we cannot boast in our merit. This is difficult for many, as Simeon says, “This child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel.” The necessity of faith in Christ, resting in his obedience not our own, is something highly religious and proud people stumble over.

Christmas is a story of God’s fulfillment of the law so that we could be justified. Join us Sunday as we worship Jesus for silencing the law’s loud thunder.