BC 6.4
Belgic Confession
6.4. The Fulfillment of the Law
We believe that the ceremonies and symbols of the law have ended with the coming of Christ, and that all foreshadowings have come to an end, so that the use of them ought to be abolished among Christians. Yet the truth and substance of these things remain for us in Jesus Christ, in whom they have been fulfilled. Nevertheless, we continue to use the witnesses drawn from the law and prophets to confirm us in the gospel and to regulate our lives with full integrity for the glory of God, according to the will of God.
Proof texts
- Matt. 27:51 — [51] And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split.
- Rom. 10:4 — [4] For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
- Heb. 9:9-10 — [9] (which is symbolic for the present age). According to this arrangement, gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper, [10] but deal only with food and drink and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until the time of reformation.
- Matt. 5:17 — [17] “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.
- Gal. 3:24 — [24] So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith.
- Col. 2:17 — [17] These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.
- Rom. 13:8-10 — [8] Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. [9] For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” [10] Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
- Rom. 15:4 — [4] For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
- 2 Pet. 1:19 — [19] And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts,
- 2 Pet. 3:2 — [2] that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles,
For discussion
- The Assembly cited Matt. 27:51 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
- 10 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
- HC Q86 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?