MATTHEW 5 The beginning of the sermon on the mount declares blessings on those whose lives are consistent with the lifestyle expected of those who are in the kingdom of heaven. At the same time, it indicates the fulfillment of those blessings will be realized in the future. Those who follow the Lord and to whom those blessings will come in fullness in the future, are to be salt and light in the world in this present time. A covenant has been formed with our Lord, and through that union with Him, we are able to “walk in the light, as He is in the light.” He is “the Light of the world,” and He told those who followed Him that they too are “the light of the world.”
The Lord Jesus explained the law as to what it really means when it is lived out in spirit, not just in the “letter of the law.” Fidelity to the covenant of grace we are a part of his terms of faithfulness and love for God and others. The values expressed by the law when carried out as intended, are exemplified by loving the Lord supremely and loving others in an honest and true manner.