5. It seems that there is a contradiction between Leviticus 24:20 and Matthew 5:38 to 5:47. Could you please give your explanation? (Perry)

Answer: Lev. 24:20 says: "fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. As he has injured the other, so he is to be injured." The teaching of Leviticus 24:20 is a part of the Mosaic Law. In the Old Testament time God taught the people of Israel His law and He placed them under the law. The purposes of the law are to teach God's righteousness and to reveal human sins. (Rom. 7:7, 12) God's grace was not clearly revealed in the Old Testament. "Fracture for fracture, eye for eye" is showing what justice is.

However, after Jesus Christ came to the world, God began to teach the principles of grace, divine love and higher virtues. God's revelation was progressive. He taught the people of the world simple justice in the past, but He is teaching the believers high morality and excellent virtues today. John said: "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." (John 1:17)

The teaching of Matt. 5:38-47 is for the Christians only. The people of the world cannot live by such a high moral standard. Matt. 5:38-47 says: "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?"

First of all we should recognize that Jesus Himself lived by this standard when He was on earth. He showed marvelous grace, forbearance and love toward those who opposed Him. After we have been born again, the Lord Jesus wants us to follow His example to live on earth. We cannot obey the teaching of Matt. 5:38-47 in our own strength. We can only follow the teaching here through the new life God has given to us. The Holy Spirit inside us leads us to follow this high moral standard to live. (John 16:13)

The Holy Spirit helps us to love those who are unlovable. God wants all men to be saved. Every human person has great value in God's sight because he/she is made in the image of God. Every human person has the potential to be saved.

Right now it is still the age of grace. God wants us to treat the people with grace. By living according to God's excellent virtues we can win many people to His kingdom. God's patience is greater, His love deeper and His wisdom higher. God wants us to grow in spiritual life ant to become like Him in His character. Matt. 5:48 teach: "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (G.Lee)