It is impossible to be righteous before God with an unrighteous mindset toward His Word.
Jesus describes a righteous mindset with these words: “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:17-20).
As noted in the last two blogs, a correct mindset towards the Scriptures includes an accurate recognition of their contents and a submissive reverence for their authority.
It also includes a clear understanding of their permanence.
The passage of time does not necessitate any additions to the contents of Holy Scripture. Neither does the passage of time erode the contents or authority of God’s Word.
Be not deceived. The Old Testament—i.e. the Law and the Prophets of verse 17—was not replaced with Christ’s new covenant because it had become void of authority during its fourteen centuries of existence. It was replaced because Jesus fulfilled its every jot and tittle; therefore, its job of safely transporting the Jews from Mount Sinai to Mount Calvary while its prophets were recording the distinctive identifying characteristics of the Messiah was over. It had fulfilled its job description precisely, and Jesus the Messiah had fulfilled its demands perfectly. Therefore, He and He alone was qualified to replace it, and He did.
Jesus’ covenant—the New Testament—will govern humanity until the last day of history (John 12:48). Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away” (Matthew 24:35). It is Jesus’ words which will judge humanity on the Day of Judgment (John 12:48).
God’s imperishable Word is forever settled in heaven (1 Peter 1:24-25; Psalm 119:89), and the righteous live accordingly.
