For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.
The objective of Jesus’ teaching is to shift the focus away from just an presentation of compliance of the Law and focus our attention on the heart of God. The legitimacy of the Law’s truth is enduring down to the last detail. But that truth is found in Jesus, the one who lived in perfect obedience and righteousness before God. As the rest of the Sermon on the Mount indicates, Jesus does not lessen the purpose of the Law but gives it flesh and blood, compassion and mercy, power and depth. His words will never pass away! Grace is not about diminished expectations, but about power, motivation, and salvation. But salvation is more than salvation from past sin or even salvation to heaven at the end of time. Salvation is about being protected from the destruction of sin’s punishments and consequences since Jesus’ mercy and grace have motivated and empowered us to obey God’s will and so fulfill the intent behind every letter of the Law. Our God lives in eternal light. Let us not take for granted the gift of His glory and grace. Let Him empower and lead us with the Holy Spirit to do His will and honor His grace with a life that is holy.
Spiritual Steve 