Ultimate Guide to Abolishing and Fulfilling the Law in Christian Faith

Jesus Came to Fulfill the Law, Not Abolish It

In Matthew 5:17-18, Jesus makes a significant statement about the Law and the Prophets. He says, “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. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.” This declaration gives us insight into Jesus' mission and the character of God's Word.

The Eternal Nature and Authority of God's Word

Jesus emphasized the eternal nature and authority of the Word of God. He made it clear that He did not come to abolish the Law, despite accusations from the Pharisees. In fact, Jesus commended those who accurately taught and revered the Law. He said that anyone who set aside even the least of these commands and taught others to do so would be called least in the kingdom of heaven, while those who practiced and taught these commands would be called great in the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:19).

Jesus attributed several qualities to the Word of God, referred to as "the Law and the Prophets." Firstly, He emphasized that the Word is everlasting and will outlast the natural world. Secondly, He acknowledged that it was written with intent and meant to be fulfilled. Thirdly, Jesus highlighted that even the smallest letter of the Word is established and possesses plenary authority. Lastly, He affirmed that the Word is faithful and trustworthy; everything it says will be accomplished. These qualities clearly demonstrate Jesus' commitment to Scriptures.

Jesus' Purpose: Not to Abolish but to Fulfill

When Jesus said that He did not come to abolish but to fulfill the Law and the Prophets, He made two statements. Firstly, He emphasized that His purpose was not to invalidate or dissolve the Word. Secondly, He indicated that the Word would continue to accomplish its intended purpose. The Prophets' predictions concerning the Messiah would be realized in Jesus, and the holy standards of the Law would be perfectly upheld by Him.

Jesus fulfilled the Prophets by fulfilling hundreds of prophecies about Himself during His first coming. Additionally, He fulfilled the Law both as a teacher and as a doer. Jesus taught people to obey the Law and also obeyed it Himself. In living a perfect life, He fulfilled the moral laws, and through His sacrificial death, He fulfilled the ceremonial laws. Jesus came not to destroy the old religious system but to build upon it and establish the New Covenant.

The Fulfillment of the Law and Prophets in Christ

Jesus' fulfillment of the Law and Prophets accomplished our eternal salvation. Priests were no longer required to offer sacrifices and enter the holy place because Jesus did it once and for all. Through grace and faith, we are made right with God. Jesus forgave all our sins, canceled our legal indebtedness, and nailed it to the cross.

It is important to address the misconception that since Jesus did not "abolish" the Law, it is still binding on New Testament Christians. However, Paul clarifies that believers in Christ are no longer under the Law. The Law served as a guardian until faith in Christ was revealed. Now that faith has come, believers are no longer under a guardian. Instead, Christians are under "the law of Christ."

If the Law is still binding, then its purpose has not yet been fulfilled, and Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was insufficient for salvation. Thankfully, Jesus fulfilled the entire Law and offers His righteousness as a free gift through faith in Him. As Galatians 2:16 states: "Know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law because by the works of the law no one will be justified."

Why This Matters

Understanding Jesus' purpose in fulfilling the Law and Prophets is crucial for Christians. It helps us grasp how Jesus accomplished our salvation through His perfect life and sacrificial death. Recognizing that we are no longer under the Mosaic Law but under the law of Christ frees us from legalistic burdens and allows us to live by faith in Him. This knowledge deepens our understanding of God's grace and our identity as redeemed children of God.

Think About It

Consider the significance of Jesus' fulfillment of the Law and Prophets. How does this impact your understanding of salvation? How does it change your perspective on living as a follower of Christ? Take some time to reflect on the freedom and grace you have received through Jesus' fulfillment of the Law and Prophets.