The New Covenant Lawgiver: Jesus and Law in Matthew 5:17-48

by Michael J. Vlach

This book examines the relationship of Jesus and Law from Matthew 5:17-48. Specifically, it addresses Jesus' relationship to both the Mosaic Law and New Covenant Law.

Genres: Theology, Biblical Studies

64 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 20, 2022

Reviews

[Michael Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Dr. Vlach has written on it, you will be greatly rewarded by reading his book. This is certainly the case with The New Covenant Lawgiver.

[Caleb Lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

"We call this view the 'Everything written and predicted in the Old Testament must happen because of Jesus' view." - Michael Vlach

Short, sweet, and to the point. Jesus is the New Covenant lawgiver who lays out the "code" of New Covenant regulations. He is not correcting Pharisaical distortions of the law, but rather setting up "the law of Christ" over and against "the law of Moses" (contra Bahnsen). Certainly there is continuity and overlap between the two, but the distinction is important. By mentioning "the prophets" (Matt. 5:17), it seems quite clear that Jesus includes prophecies (not just Mosaic commandments) as part of what he will "fulfill" (also contra Bahnsen). Overall, a helpful and concise work on Jesus' view of the Mosaic law.

[John Eldreth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jesus Is The New Covenant Lawgiver

In this book, the author makes the case that the Sermon on the Mount was Jesus stating that he had come to fulfill Old Testament messianic prophecies and establish the New Covenant Law (i.e. standards).This contrasts with many interpreters who claim Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, clarifies Old Testament laws and shows their true meaning and depth. This author claims, instead, Jesus came to institute a better standard of behavior than that required in the Old Covenant and, in so doing, was establishing the terms of the New Covenant. To make that clear, Jesus contrasts various Old Covenant standards with those of the New Covenant. Further, Jesus is claiming in the Sermon on the Mount that he had come to fulfill all the Old Testament messianic prophecies unlike many interpretations claiming the Sermon on the Mount was just about a more comprehensive interpretation of the Old Covenant Law. I think the author makes a compelling case and recommend the book to readers.

[Alexander Ruvalcaba · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Clear Presentation On The Correct View of “The Sermon On The Mount”

Michael Vlach does a clear and efficient job making the case for a particular Dispensational view of “The Sermon on The Mount”, focusing on the Matthew Chapter 5, not including the beatitudes.
It is in this section where disagreement about the phrases and how to interpret them (often interpreted by a prior theological position) is best seen from the view Vlach and others hold. By arguing from a simple contextual induction of the passage.

[Todd Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite outstanding. Vlach challenges the oft-held position that Jesus is merely correcting the false teaching of the religious leaders in Israel in the Sermon on the Mount. He asserts—and I think proves—that Jesus is, in fact, fulfilling the roll of the promised New Covenant Lawgiver and is, therefore, establishing the Law of Christ.

I pushed back against Vlach's position initially. But it's hard to oppose when read in its entirety.

Well worth the time.

[Rebecca Finster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vlach deals cleanly and humbly with a debated passage and presents a consistent hermeneutic that honors context and allows Scripture to inform Scripture. He clarifies Christ’s role as the means of fulfillment that ushers in the transition from the Mosaic Covenant to the New Covenant, or the Law of Christ.

[Kelly Geisenburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brief but excellent overview of Matthew 5:17-48, unpacking Christ’s use of and relationship to the law. Always appreciate Vlach’s ability to take what can feel like complex, daunting theological issues, walk through them with proper hermeneutics, and clearly exegete them into layman’s terms.

[Kyler Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent little book on Jesus’ relationship to the Law.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vlach presents an excellent study from the Sermon on the Mount. This study challenged my thinking and will prompt further study and thought on the issue of New Covenant law.

[Michael Dionne]

Great, straightforward, simple treatment that handles the discussion logically and graciously (as is always the case with Dr. Vlach).