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. – Matthew 5:17
Understanding the Purpose of the Law
As we explore the significance of Jesus fulfilling the law, it’s vital for us to grasp the purpose behind the law itself. The law serves as a guideline outlining God’s holiness and righteousness. It was established to lead us away from sin and point us toward righteousness. We discover that the law reveals our shortcomings and makes us aware of our need for a Savior. Jesus came not to dismiss these regulations but to give them the ultimate meaning and purpose by embodying them fully. Through His life and actions, Jesus teaches us how to live according to God’s standards, showing us that true fulfillment of the law comes from love and commitment to God above all. When we follow His example, we fulfill the law, not by mere rule-following, but by cultivating a heart aligned with God’s desires.
Matthew 5:17
“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.” – Matthew 5:17
Romans 10:4
“Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.” – Romans 10:4
Galatians 3:24
“So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith.” – Galatians 3:24
Hebrews 10:1
“The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves. For this reason, it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship.” – Hebrews 10:1
Colossians 2:14
“Having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.” – Colossians 2:14
The Law’s Role in Salvation
We must acknowledge the transformative role the law has in our journey to salvation through Jesus Christ. The law functions as a mirror reflecting our sinful nature and guiding us to recognize the grace we receive through Jesus. We learn that our adherence to the law is inadequate to earn salvation. Instead, it leads us to the understanding that we need Jesus’ redemptive sacrifice. Christ fulfills the law by providing sacrificial love and grace that we could never have obtained through ritual observance. This means we are not bound by the law for salvation, but instead have gained freedom in Christ who has satisfied the law’s demands for us.
Ephesians 2:8-9
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9
Romans 3:20
“Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.” – Romans 3:20
Galatians 2:16
“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.” – Galatians 2:16
Acts 13:39
“Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.” – Acts 13:39
Romans 6:14
“For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.” – Romans 6:14
Jesus as the Ultimate Sacrifice
As we delve deeper into the connection between Jesus’ fulfillment of the law and the sacrificial system, we recognize that He embodies the ultimate sacrifice. In the Old Testament, sacrifices were made to atone for sin, fulfilling the requirement of the law. However, those sacrifices were temporary and did not actually erase sins. Jesus, on the other hand, offered Himself as the once-for-all sacrifice, fulfilling the law’s demands fully. His death on the cross is the perfect culmination of the law and the ultimate expression of love. As we embrace this, we understand that we have been given access to God’s grace through faith. In Christ, we find forgiveness and restoration, illustrating how we are invited into a new relationship centered on love, rather than mere adherence to the law.
Hebrews 9:26
“But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself.” – Hebrews 9:26
John 1:29
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!'” – John 1:29
Hebrews 9:12
“He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.” – Hebrews 9:12
1 Peter 2:24
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.” – 1 Peter 2:24
Romans 5:8
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
Living Out the Fulfillment of the Law
Now that we understand that Jesus fulfilled the law through His life, death, and resurrection, we are called to live out this fulfillment in our own lives. This means embracing the principles of love, mercy, and justice, rather than just following rules. We recognize that Jesus demonstrated love for others, inviting us to do the same. As we embody His teachings, we reflect God’s character to the world around us. We are encouraged to not only believe in Him but to echo His actions in our daily lives. Living out the law’s fulfillment is not about perfection but about striving toward love and grace, showing others the same mercy we’ve received. In doing so, we grow not only in our relationship with Christ but also in our fellowship with others.
Matthew 22:37-39
“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” – Matthew 22:37-39
Romans 13:10
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” – Romans 13:10
Galatians 5:14
“For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” – Galatians 5:14
1 John 4:21
“And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.” – 1 John 4:21
James 2:8
“If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right.” – James 2:8
The Redemption Through Jesus
The fulfillment of the law through Jesus showcases the beautiful redemptive story woven throughout Scripture. His coming opened the door for humanity to be restored to a perfect relationship with God. This act of love not only satisfied the law but provided us with true hope for redemption. Realizing that Jesus is our Redeemer who fulfilled the law allows us to embrace grace over guilt. We see that even when we fall short, Christ lifts us up through His love and sacrifice. As we contemplate the depth of His love, we are drawn closer to Him and transformed by His grace, leaving behind the burden of trying to earn our righteousness. Instead, we accept the gift of redemption freely given and share this incredible truth with others.
Titus 2:14
“Who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” – Titus 2:14
Hebrews 7:27
“Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself.” – Hebrews 7:27
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
Romans 3:24
“And all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” – Romans 3:24
Colossians 1:13-14
“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” – Colossians 1:13-14
Embracing the New Covenant
With the advent of Jesus fulfilling the law, we are ushered into a new covenant relationship with God. This new covenant is characterized by grace, where our sins are forgiven, and our lives are transformed from the inside out. No longer do we have to rely solely on the law and sacrifices to maintain our standing before God. Instead, we are integrated into God’s family through faith in Christ. In accepting Him, we are made new creations whose hearts are inclined towards His will. This transformation inspires us to embody the love and compassion seen in Jesus’ life, as we strive to share the good news of His love with everyone around us. Embracing this new covenant means that we live as people who are marked by love, mercy, and forgiveness, pointing others towards Him.
Matthew 26:28
“This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” – Matthew 26:28
Hebrews 8:13
“By calling this covenant ‘new,’ he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear.” – Hebrews 8:13
Hebrews 10:16
“This is the covenant I will establish with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.” – Hebrews 10:16
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on how Jesus fulfilled the law, we see His profound love intertwined with our journey of faith. Each verse reveals layers of grace that show us that He is much more than just a rule follower. Our Savior transformed the law from a collection of rules and regulations into a message of hope, purpose, and redemption. We are invited to participate in this new covenant relationship, embracing the reality that we are no longer defined by the law but by the love of Jesus Christ.
As we walk in His grace, let’s be mindful to share this good news with others, extending kindness and love, just as Christ has done for us. Each moment presents an opportunity to reflect His light, showing that through Him, we are made whole and free. Our response to this incredible gift is to live out the fulfillment of the law by loving God and loving our neighbors. Together, let us aim to shine forth the heart of Jesus in everything we do.
For those interested in exploring more, you may find insights in topics like fulfillment in God or freedom from the law. These subjects can lead us deeper into the transformative journey with Christ.