Matthew 7:12 - The Golden Rule

Matthew 7:12 - Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

XRF - Matthew 22:39-40, where this same note could be applied.

The Golden Rule "is the law and the prophets."  The New Testament teaches that the purpose of the law is to show us our lack, our unrighteousness - for we can never keep it.  Galatians 3:10-25, etc.  So if the Golden Rule "is the law" according to Christ, then its purpose is to show us that we are in violation of the law, for we can never perfectly keep this rule.  It is also "the prophets" according to Christ.  The purpose of the law is to show our lack, while the prophets point us to Christ to fulfill our lacking (e.g., Isaiah 53, etc).  Christ is the only One Who kept the Golden Rule, yea more, when He died for us, loving His neighbor as Himself.  So the Golden Rule "is the law and the prophets" because as "the law" it shows us our need and as "the prophets" it points us to Christ as the One Who meets that need.  It is not a religion unto itself as the liberal would have it.  It is a pointer to Christ for the one who realizes he is a sinner fallen short.

VM