Understanding Jesus and the Law: Why Christ Came to Fulfill, Not Abolish

In a culture where moral standards shift with personal opinion and cultural pressure, Jesus makes a powerful statement in Matthew 5:17–20: He did not come to abolish the Law of God, but to fulfill it. This teaching reveals essential truth about biblical authority, righteousness, and salvation through Jesus Christ.

What Does It Mean That Jesus Fulfilled the Law?

When Jesus says He came to fulfill the law, He means to complete it perfectly. The law was not flawed or temporary—it was divine and purposeful. Christ fulfilled every requirement of God’s law without exception. Rather than modifying Scripture, Jesus embodied it fully.

This truth is foundational to Christian theology and understanding the gospel of grace.

Moral Authority in a Relativistic World

Today’s culture often rejects absolute truth in favor of personal morality. Without God as the source of truth, righteousness becomes subjective. Jesus directly challenges this by grounding morality in God’s eternal Word. Scripture does not evolve with culture; it stands as the unchanging standard that exposes humanity’s need for redemption.

Three Ways Jesus Fulfilled the Law

Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament law in three distinct ways:

Moral Law: He obeyed the Ten Commandments perfectly in thought, word, and deed.

Ceremonial Law: He became the final sacrifice—the true Passover Lamb and ultimate atonement for sin.

Judicial Law: He provided the perfect righteousness Israel could never achieve under the law.

Why God’s Law Still Matters Today

Jesus teaches that not even the smallest part of God’s law will pass away. This affirms the authority and reliability of Scripture. The Bible remains relevant in every generation because it is God-breathed, timeless, and true.

The Danger of Selective Obedience

Jesus warns against relaxing God’s commands. Selective obedience—choosing which parts of Scripture to follow—undermines God’s authority. The Bible is not meant to comfort us selectively, but to transform us completely.

Righteousness and the Gospel

Jesus declares that our righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees. Their outward obedience was meticulous—yet insufficient. This exposes a hard truth: human effort cannot save us.

Imputed Righteousness Through Christ

Salvation comes not by earning righteousness, but by receiving it. Through faith alone, Christ’s perfect obedience is credited to us. The law acts as a mirror revealing sin, but only Jesus cleanses and restores.

How Should Christians Respond to God’s Law?

Believers are called to honor God’s Word, not to earn salvation, but in gratitude for grace already given. Obedience flows from faith, not fear. True Christianity rests in Christ’s finished work, not self-righteous effort.

Life Application

Ask yourself:

* Am I submitting to the full authority of Scripture?

* Where might I be practicing selective obedience?

* Am I trusting in Christ’s righteousness rather than my own?

The law points us to our need for Jesus. In Him, we find forgiveness, transformation, and hope. This is the heart of the gospel: Christ fulfilled what we never could—and He is coming again to complete His perfect work.