Tag Archives: Religion

Matthew 6- Heart Exam

Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.  Matthew 6:16-19

As we are now going through the “Lent Season” we can see that some of our man made traditions and practices are really not Biblical. I wrote an article a few years ago on “Is Ash Wednesday Biblical”? and  most Christians would instantly say Yes, because its become a Church tradition. However when you examine the practices of Ash Wednesday and Lent season, compared to Jesus teachings it’s really not

Jesus said “When you fast, don’t be like the hypocrites, that disfigure their face to prove to people they are fasting” this is essentially what we do during Ash Wednesday. We dump ashes on our face to prove to people we are fasting or mourning our sins. What are we trying to accomplish here? Yes it’s mostly just a Church tradition , but why? 

Jesus goes on to say “When you fast, anoint your head with oil and wash your face” So this is actually the opposite of Ash Wednesday, Jesus instructs us to wash your face. Why? Because Christ wants you to have a personal relationship with him. You don’t need to put on a show for other people or try to demonstrate your relationship with Christ. Now I’m not condemning anyone who practices this , we each regard one day above another as long as we regard it to The Lord (Romans 14) but something to examine and meditate on when we’re doing things.

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:19-21

The next thing Jesus teaches us is to store and collect stuff, because this world is temporary. Storage sheds have become a big business, why? Because people love to keep buying stuff that they don’t even need or can’t store. The world  is obsessed with accumulating possessions, however we need to think eternally, we need to think about the Kingdom of God

The reality is that a fancy car will eventually one day end up in the junkyard and it won’t save your soul. However, you’ll spend years paying off the debt. As Jesus said “Where your treasure is, your heart is also” Again it’s all about a heart issue. The same with fasting , praying, and your financial decisions. 

Jesus came to make us Born Again (John 3) to give a new and clean heart so we can worship God in Spirit and Truth, Amen (John 4:24)

Matthew 6- The Lords Prayer

And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. Matthew 6:5-8

Prayer is essential to the Christian life, in fact prayer should be considered essential such as oxygen to the body, prayer is vital to your soul. How can you expect to have a personal relationship with God, if you don’t talk to him? Jesus taught us the proper method and intentions of prayer. When you pray you should pray in private, alone with God. I think many are honestly afraid to do this, to be alone with God. Find a private room, removed from distractions and spend some time alone with God and pour out your soul to Him

Secondly, vain repetitions don’t constitute true prayer in the eyes of God. God wants to hear your heart and soul, while religious practices can be good, don’t expect to build a personal relationship with your Father by not opening up your heart to him. 

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. Matthew 6:9-13

The Lord’s Prayer is one of the many great gifts that Christ has given us. Every line in the prayer has significant meaning and explanation, I did a complete commentary on The Lord’s prayer here. But imagine the power and unification The Lord’s Prayer has when millions of Christians are repeating the same words spoken by our Lord Jesus Christ together. The Lord’s Prayer is more like a pledge or anthem of our faith

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:14-15

Jesus ends his teaching by telling us “If you forgive others of their sin against you, then God will forgive you also”  Did you catch that? Yes you need to forgive people, why? Because Christ forgave you? I understand some circumstances are more complicated than others, but give it up to God and let him deal with it, lift the heavy load off your shoulders and let Christ be truly your Lord

The Lord’s Prayer, a beautiful gift and proclamation for all Born Again believers, lift your voices up and praise The Lord , Amen!

Matthew 6- Give Righteously

Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. Matthew 6:1-4

One of the most annoying things to see nowadays on social media, is anytime somebody does anything helpful or kind for someone, they have to post it on social media. Everyone needs to let the world know they did something good, we even see this at Church, people need to announce everytime they do anything helpful. Why do we do this? Well the honest truth is we want the credit, we want the glory, we want everyone to know we are great people. This is part of the problem with our sinful nature, pride.

The problem is Jesus said “Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before people or you will have no reward in Heaven ” You might have gotten alot of likes or shares on your social media but you lost your reward in Heaven. It sounds harsh but this is what God said, you have a choice , either the vanity of this world or a reward in Heaven. Now are we saying nobody should do anything “good”, of course not, but everyone doesn’t need to know about it. Don’t worry God knows everything you’re doing, if you do something worthy for His Kingdom, you will be reward for it.

It shows you how far away the world is from the will of God. We see celebrities trying to get in those photo opportunities of mingling with the common folk or actually helping someone. It’s mostly all fake, why do we need to take the dignity of people for them to receive help? It’s a common practice on social media to pick a random homeless person and buy them something, that sounds great. But what if you were that homeless person? Would you want your face posted all over the world as a pawn in the game? Of course not, everyone deserves some respect and dignity , including the “victims” in need

So what should we do? Follow the words of our Lord and Savior, help the poor and needy, but don’t tell anyone. If you’re making donations , make them anonymous. Do we really need your name on a building or park because you had some cash? Now of course when we do help our neighbors, they will know who we are, but we don’t have to flaunt the situation on Social Media. I’m sure your neighbor has been through enough embarrassment and dread, they don’t need their name and face dragged through the community. 

Again we see this is ultimately a heart issue, why are you actually helping these people? Are you just helping to make yourself feel better or puff up your ego? Or are you helping them because you love God and love your neighbor? Because you want to Glorify God by being the Salt and Light of Christ! Let’s hope one day we will hear the words “Well Done Good and Faithful SERVANT” (Matthew 25:23) Amen!

Matthew 5- Love Your Enemies

Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. Matthew 5:38-42

Those who don’t believe there was a shift from the Mosaic Covenant, would have a hard time explaining these scriptures. Under the Mosaic Law it was an Eye for an Eye, a Tooth for a tooth,meaning there would be just consequences to evil actions. However the Religious leaders, like most things, abused this law, Jesus is giving us not only a correct interpretation of this Law, but Christ is taking this Law to a new level.

Under the Mosaic Law if someone struck you in the face, you had a right to strike them back. Jesus is saying “If someone strikes you in the face, turn your other cheek and let them strike you again” This teaching by Jesus sounds radical, it is because Jesus is trying to make a point! Love your enemies and resist evil, if only the world listened to the words of Christ

This all goes against our human nature, the world says “only the strong will survive” and “dog eat dog”, however in the end everyone is still condemned. Why? Because there is no salvation for your soul with Christ, as Jesus said “What does it profit you to gain the whole world, yet lose your soul “ (Mark 8:36)

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:43-48

 We always hear people saying “Love your Neighbor” , but are these same people also saying “Love your Enemies”? As Jesus taught us , it’s easy for us to love our families and friends even evil people do that. However, to try and love your enemies, takes everything to a new level. Bless them that curse you, pray for them that persecute you! If anyone thinks Christianity is easy, you don’t understand true Christianity

If you think it’s unfair for Jesus to demand this from us, remember while Christ was nailed to the cross he said “Father Forgive Them For they Know Not what they Do” (Luke 23:34) As Jesus said “Be perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect” Love your enemies and Love truly like Jesus Christ, Amen!

Matthew 5- Adultery of the Heart

Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.  And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. Matthew 5:27-30

Jesus continues to expand our understanding on Gods Law, as we talked about previously with Christs teaching on Murderer starting from the heart, here Jesus does the same thing with Adultery. Most people are asked “Are you an adulterer”? They would probably answer No, however by God’s standards you are guilty of adultery, because sin begins within the heart. 

Jesus said “If anyone looks at someone with lust, they have already committed adultery in their heart”, so have you ever looked at someone with lust? Of course you did, its part of our sinful human nature, you are guilty in the eyes of God committing adultery. Now you might say” God’s standards are too strict or impossible to meet”, that’s exactly the point. God is so Holy that we could never even to be worthy to stand in His presence with our sinful nature. This should reveal to you even more how much you need a Savior, you need Jesus Christ to save you from your sins.

Next Jesus starts telling us about Hell, yes Christ taught more about Hell than Heaven. Jesus is using hyperbole speech here “If your eye is causing you to sin, cut it out, because it would be better to have one eye then your whole body be thrown into Hell” Now is Jesus teaching us to literally cut off our body parts? No of course not, He’s saying “If your looking at things that cause you to sin, stop doing it” It’s that simple, but he strongly warns of the dire consequences of Hell Fire. 

Again , Jesus is teaching about adultery of the heart, so stop looking at pornography , its causing you to sin. Stop watching perverted movies and playing video games, they are causing you to sin. Remember Sin begins in the heart, and then it grows to your mind and actions. 

Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. James 1:15

Notice what the Apostle James says “When lust is conceived it brings forth sin, and sin brings forth death” Sin begins in your heart and then your mind, then your actions. Why do you think the world wants us hooked on devices, video games, virtual reality? Because Satan wants you to destroy yourself from within, most nations destroy themselves from within also, like we are seeing in America or the Roman Empire.

Jesus is setting the standard even higher than ever before, those who believe Jesus fulfillment of The Law produces “cheap grace” they don’t know The Lord, unless you are Born Again, you will not see the Kingdom of Heaven, only through Jesus Christ, Amen!

Matthew 5- Murderer of the Heart

Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Matthew 5:21-24

As we continue to look at Jesus’ teachings here in Matthew 5, it’s obvious that Christ has given us a reinterpretation of the Mosaic Law. Many believe the Beatitudes are really a reinterpretation of the Ten Commandments. But here Jesus is given us an illustration of the physical law and how it applies to our spiritual life also. 

As we all know, it’s a sin to kill somebody, most people would know this even if they didn’t know the Ten Commandments. However Jesus takes this to another level, anyone who is angry with someone is equivalent to physical murder. Yikes! As we can all imagine, we are all guilty of this. We all get angry with people from time to time, some people even have anger issues, this is not taken lightly in the Kingdom of God. 

If anyone calls someone “a fool” or stupid is in danger of Hell Fire. As you see Jesus is taking the Mosaic Law to a new level. What is his point? That sin begins in the heart, its not just your actions that are sins, it’s also your thoughts and ideas. Jesus makes it clear we are all sinners and in need of God’s grace!

Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing. Matthew 5:25-26

Resolve all conflicts with everyone, as Jesus said “Don’t come to the altar until you reconcile with your brother” We can’t expect God to be accepting of our worship if we have strife remaining between us. Don’t let anger and rage sow seeds of sin in your heart. Forgive your brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, and children, let the peace of Christ rule your heart not sin

So you still think Christianity is easy? Jesus is taking the Law to the next level, the good news is we are forgiven and justified by the atonement of Jesus Christ! Amen!

Matthew 5- Jesus Fulfills The Law

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 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. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:17-20

One of the most misunderstood aspects of the New Covenant is Jesus’ fulfillment of The Mosaic Law. As Jesus said “ I have not come to destroy The Law but to Fulfill” Even though Jesus’ statement seems pretty straight forward, that Christ came to fulfill the Law, there are many Christians who have still put themselves under The Law and are trying to Keep the Law themselves. As the Apostle James says “Whoever Keeps The Whole Law yet stumbles at just one point, is guilty of breaking the entire Law” (James 2:10)

What is the Apostle James saying? It’s impossible to “Keep The Law” , if it were possible to Keep The Law we would have no need for a Savior, there would be no need for Christ to die on the cross. But understand we have all fallen short, we are all sinners (Romans 3:23) and need Jesus Christ to fulfill The Law for us to be declared righteous before God (2 Corinthians 5:21)

Jesus says the same thing in verse 19 “ Whoever breaks one of these least commandments shall be called least in the Kingdom of God” This is parallel with what Jesus is teaching “Whoever breaks any of the commandments breaks the entire Law” You need to understand your sinful state, your wretchedness, you can’t work or earn your way into Heaven. Only  by faith in Jesus Christ can you inherit the Kingdom of God. 

For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. Hebrews 10:1

So what is the purpose of The Law if Christ fulfilled it? The Law is God’s nature, it’s a shadow and reflection of Christ and Gods standards we need to live by. If there was no Gods Law, then there would be no standard for morality, as we are all judged by The Law. However the Law is also a mirror for us to reflect upon to see our sinful nature (James 1) Only Christ can fulfill The Law as “Nobody is “Good” except God alone” (Mark 10:18)

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. Romans 10:4

The Apostle Paul sums it up well, “Christ is the end of the Law to all that believe in Christ” If you want to be saved put your faith in Jesus Christ, if you want sanctification put your faith in Jesus Christ, if you want to be declared righteous before God put your faith in Jesus Christ. It’s only by Christ alone you can be saved because Jesus fulfilled The Law, Amen!

Matthew 5- Salt and Light

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Matthew 5:13-15

What are our requirements as a Christian? The modern day version of Christianity is, you say you believe in Jesus, and that’s it you get a golden ticket into Heaven. This is not Biblical Christianity. There are requirements of those who are Born Again in Christ. You were bought with a price, you don’t belong to yourself and you are to Glorify God (1 Corinthians 6:20 ) Many people’s attitude today is “I want salvation and I want total control over my life also” You can’t serve two masters, for you will love the one and hate the other (Matthew 6:24) Question is who is your Master or Lord?

So what does a true Christian look like? Well Jesus said “You are the salt of the Earth” What does that mean? Well Salt , even in our modern times is used for several reasons, mostly to preserve and to add flavor. We “The Church” are to preserve righteousness and justice on this Earth. When the Church starts to act and look more like the world, that is when the Church fails. Don’t conform to the ways of the world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind “ (Romans 12:2) The Church should never “fit in” with the world, the world should be looking at the Church as an example of Christ in a broken world. 

As Jesus said “But if the Salt loses its flavor what good is it”? When the Church loses it’s righteousness by compromising with the standards of today’s world, what good is the Church? If nobody ever becomes saved or Born Again by coming to the Church, then what good is the Church? It might as well be thrown out and trampled upon. The Church, as the Salt, needs to preserve the true gospel of Christ, to save souls not to make people comfortable with their sins

Jesus said “You are the Light of the World” again Jesus referring to us Christians as The Light and The Salt. So what does this mean? Jesus explains “A city on the hill can’t be hidden” if you’re truly a Christian then the light of Christ should be seen through you. If people can’t tell the difference between the Church and the world, then there is an issue. A true gospel of Christ should be offensive (1 Corinthians 1:18) and should convict people of their sin. As Jesus said “Repent and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15)

Maybe you are too afraid to share the gospel or don’t want to offend anyone, Jesus said “People don’t light a lamp and hide it under a basket” You are not filled with the Holy Spirit to keep the gospel to yourself, Jesus gave us a commandment “Go preach the gospel to all the nations “ (Matthew 28:19) This is your duty and requirement as a Christian, again who is your Master? If Jesus is your Lord then you need to do as he told you!

We the Church (Christians) are the salt of the Earth and Light of the world, if Christians don’t fulfill their callings and duties , then the Church becomes useless, and might as well be thrown out. Be The Light and Salt in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ , Amen!

Matthew 5- The Beatitudes

And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:1-10

The Beatitudes also known famously as the “Sermon on the Mount” considered by many not only to be one of the greatest teachings by Christ, but one of the greatest teachings in the entire world. The word “Beatitudes” means Blessings, however also as you examine these “Blessings” given by Christ they line up with the Ten Commandments, God’s Moral Law. While The Law reveals our sinful nature, its only function is to condemn. Jesus is providing His blessings of the New Covenant, as Christ has fulfilled The Law (Matthew 5:17)

While the Old Covenant had physical and financial blessings, the New Covenant has spiritual blessings for God’s Kingdom. For example, when Jesus is talking about the “Poor in Spirit” He’s not talking about a physical wealth of money, He’s talking about a spiritual poorness, those who mourn over their sinful nature, those who are facing trials and tribulations, those who are persecuted for God, they are blessed through Jesus Christ. I’m not going to break down every blessing as I’ve done this previously on my page Beatitudes, but you get the idea Jesus is providing a New Covenant with an Eternal Kingdom that is greater than the Old Covenant

While we look down this list, our natural minds wonder how can any of these people be blessed? The hungry, the poor, and the mourning, but our victory is through Jesus Christ. This whole teaching was a radical shift from the Old Covenant, where you were blessed by your health and possessions. Christ has provided a Better Covenant built on better and eternal promises (Hebrews 8:6)

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Matthew 5:11-12

Now comes the even more radical part, Jesus said “Blessed are you when people insult and persecute you” What? How can we be blessed or happy when people hate us? Again this goes back to what Jesus just taught us “Blessed are the poor in spirit” ect, we are in a spiritual warfare(Ephesians 6), this calling on your life is not going to be easy but the victory is already yours through Christ. You need to keep an eternal perspective in a temporary world, this is hard to do. But as Jesus said “Great is your reward in Heaven” not in this world as false teachers are telling people. 

We need to reflect more upon these blessings by Christ. In a fallen world, its easy to get discouraged or defeated but remember the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, you are Blessed and Victorious already through Him (John 16:33) Amen!

Matthew 4- The New Covenant

And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them. And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan. Matthew 4:23-25

The beginning of the New Covenant has now arrived through Jesus Christ. It’s important to note that before Christ, there was never an exorcism performed. Why? Because Jesus Christ has all power and authority over Satan and the demons. Remember in the Wilderness, Jesus already defeated Satan by staying obedient to the will of The Father. And at the cross, Satan will be crushed forever (Genesis 3:15) This is a display of the New Covenant, a more better and powerful covenant (Hebrews 8:6)

Jesus is preaching the gospel in all the synagogues, Christ wasn’t just sitting around waiting for The Kingdom to come, Jesus was bringing the Kingdom to the people. Christ demonstrated the power of God’s Kingdom by healing people and casting out demons. It was apparent that this was a New and Better Covenant, and the fame of Christ spread rapidly like wildfire. Remember Jesus told his disciples “I will make you Fishers of Men” and that’s what they were doing, leading multitudes of people to salvation through Jesus Christ

But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. Hebrews 8:6-7

As the author of Hebrews tell us “Christ is the mediator of a new and better covenant” How do we know this? Well because the Word of God tells us but also Christ has demonstrated this in his ministry. Jesus didn’t heal people or cast out demons to give himself praise, Christ performed these miracles to announce the Kingdom of God is here, the New Covenant has arrived!

Are you in the New Covenant with Christ? This is truly the only way to salvation and God, The hour has come for Christ to fulfill all the words of the prophets and fulfill The Law , so we can be declared righteous before God in Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21), Amen!