Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 112:446 (Apr 1955)
Article: Problems in Literal Interpretation of the Sermon on the Mount Part II
Author: James F. Rand

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BSac 112:446 (Apr 55) p. 125

Problems in Literal Interpretation of the Sermon on the Mount
Part II

James F. Rand

(Continued from the January-March, 1955, Number)

In the previous study of the problems involved in a literal interpretation of the Sermon on the Mount, it has been maintained that the basic theme of this important segment of the Word of God is the setting forth of the requirements for the individual Israelite to enter into the Messianic kingdom as well as the standard for his manner of life in the kingdom. Likewise the Sermon on the Mount will be in effect during the tribulation period as well as the period of the kingdom.

Two important problems remain to be considered in these pages. Serious thought must be given to the obvious legal character of the teachings of Jesus in the sermon as well as to the question of the application of these teachings to the lives of those contemporary disciples who heard Him on the mount. These will be discussed under the headings the nature of the kingdom and the contemporaneousness of the sermon.

The Nature of the Kingdom

One of the points most bitterly assailed by non-premillenarians—indeed by some who call themselves non-dispensational premillenarians—is that the millennial kingdom is to be an age in which law is to be the basic governmental principle. Conditioned as they are by this age of grace, it is not hard to understand the reasons motivating their criticisms. Yet it must be observed that many who make this criticism do not even maintain the distinction between law and grace in this age. Because they intermingle law and grace now, they are unable to see the absolute legal character of the age to come.

However, a more important problem than the criticism of opponents of premillenarianism is that which is presented by the obviously legal character of the age of the kingdom.

BSac 112:446 (Apr 55) p. 126

This is the relationship of the law of the kingdom to the cross. It is patent that the law of the kingdom is a much higher standard than that which prevailed during the Mosaic dispensation. However, it is the teaching of Scripture that Christ died on the cross of Calvary in order that law’s penalty, guilt, and power might no longer crush and blight mortal man. As Paul tells us, the death of Christ blotted out “the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which, was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross” (Col 2:14). That this is a reference to the Mosaic law no one will deny. All of the righteous demands of that legal system, including its penalty of death, were fulfilled by Christ in His righteous life and death on the cro...

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