One of the key teachings of Christianity is that Jesus Christ fulfilled the Old Testament law, but did not abolish or discard it. This concept can be confusing for some, but it is an important doctrine to understand. When we examine what the Bible says about Jesus and the law, a few key principles emerge:
The Purpose of the Law
The law was given by God to the Israelites to provide a code of conduct and system of worship. The moral laws revealed God’s holy standards for human behavior. The ceremonial laws instituted the sacrificial system and rituals that allowed sinful man to approach a holy God. As the apostle Paul explains, “the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith” (Galatians 3:24). The law was meant to show people their sinfulness and need for a Savior (Romans 3:20).
Jesus Perfectly Fulfilled the Law
During His life on earth, Jesus perfectly obeyed and adhered to the law in every respect. He said that He came not to abolish the law, but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). Although Jesus was God in the flesh, He took on human nature and submitted Himself to the law (Galatians 4:4-5). He obeyed the moral law perfectly and never sinned (1 Peter 2:22). He also fulfilled the ceremonial law by becoming the ultimate sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 10:1-10). His sinless life and atoning death accomplished what the Old Testament sacrificial system never could.
Christians Are No Longer Under the Law
The law and the prophets prophesied until John the Baptist; after that, the good news of the kingdom of God was proclaimed through Jesus (Luke 16:16). Since Christ fulfilled the demands of the law, Christians are no longer required to keep the law and its rituals. The New Testament teaches that believers are saved by grace through faith, not by works of the law (Ephesians 2:8-9). Christians have been released from the law to serve God in the new way of the Spirit (Romans 7:6).
The Moral Law Still Applies
The ceremonial and civil laws specific to the Old Testament theocracy no longer apply directly to Christians. However, the moral standards that God gave in the law still reflect His holy nature. Jesus did not abolish the moral law, but expounded and fulfilled it (Matthew 5:17-28). The New Testament affirms certain moral commandments from the law and reinforces the ethical standards (Romans 13:8-10). Murder, adultery, theft, false witness, and covetousness are still sinful.
Using the Law Carefully
While Christians are not under the law of Moses, the law still has value and usefulness today. As Paul writes, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). The Psalms and Proverbs provide wisdom and sound moral instruction. God’s standards in the law reflect His character and holiness. However, the law must be used carefully to avoid falling into legalism or confusing Old Testament practices with New Testament doctrine.
The Law Points to Christ
A central purpose of the law is to lead people to Christ by revealing sin and human need (Galatians 3:24). The sacrifices and festivals also foreshadowed Christ’s redeeming work. Jesus said the Scriptures testify about Him (John 5:30). As the fulfillment of the law, Jesus is the completion and culmination of the Old Testament. The law prepared the way and pointed ahead to the coming Messiah.
Christians Fulfill the Law Through Love
For the Christian, the law is fulfilled by wholeheartedly loving God and loving one’s neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40). As Paul explains, “the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’” (Galatians 5:14). Love does no wrong to a neighbor, so love fulfills the law (Romans 13:10). The moral standards of the law are practiced not out of mere duty, but because the love of Christ compels us (2 Corinthians 5:14).
Key Principles on Jesus and the Law
In summary, here are some key truths to understand:
- God gave the law and sacrificial system to instruct His people until Christ came.
- Jesus perfectly obeyed the law and fulfilled its demands on humanity’s behalf.
- Christians are no longer subject to the ceremonial law but are still obligated to keep the moral law.
- The law shows people their sinfulness and need for salvation through Christ.
- The law’s moral commands reflect God’s nature and serve as a guide, but believers are not saved by law-keeping.
- Love fulfills the intent and purpose of the law for the Christian life.
The law was not abolished, but it was fulfilled by Christ. As the end and goal of the law, Jesus accomplished what the law could not. Christians are called to live by faith in the Son of God and walk in love according to His new covenant.
Common Misconceptions
Some common misconceptions about Jesus and the law need to be addressed:
- False: Jesus abolished the Old Testament law.
- False: Christians can ignore the moral standards of the law.
- False: All Old Testament laws still directly apply to Christians today.
- False: Christians must keep the Sabbath and kosher food laws.
These notions reflect confusion about how Christians should relate to the Old Testament law. The key is recognizing that the ceremonial laws do not apply anymore, but the underlying moral principles still reflect God’s character.
Implications for Christian Living
Several implications emerge for how Christians should live in light of Jesus’ fulfillment of the law:
- Strive to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37).
- Seek to love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:39).
- Live by the Spirit’s power instead of fleshly effort (Galatians 3:3).
- Aim for righteous living out of gratitude, not duty (Philippians 1:11).
- Remember that holiness reflects God’s character (1 Peter 1:16).
While Christians are not under the law of Moses, they honor God and His standards by pursuing Christlike love, holiness, and righteousness in their lives.
Old Testament Laws and Principles
Certain Old Testament laws and principles may still be beneficial to apply today, even though they do not technically bind the Christian’s conscience:
- Moral commandments that align with God’s nature, like the Ten Commandments.
- Practical wisdom and teaching, like the Book of Proverbs.
- Universal moral standards, like justice and care for the vulnerable.
- Spiritual disciplines, like tithing, Sabbath rest, and fasting.
- God’s standards for leaders and role models.
These aspects of the law can help instruct and guide Christians when applied carefully and properly in context. However, it is important not to impose Old Testament laws legalistically.
Freedom from the Law Through the Spirit
One danger is taking principles of the law and imposing them rigidly without understanding the purpose behind them. But the New Testament emphasizes that believers have freedom and are led by the Spirit, not merely the letter of the law (2 Corinthians 3:6; Galatians 5:18). Christians should seek to apply biblical principles such as Sabbath, tithing, and fasting in a Spirit-led, grace-oriented way.
In the end, Christians fulfill the righteousness of the law not by meticulous observance, but by Christ’s love and the Spirit’s transforming power working in their hearts. As Paul explains, God’s intent for the law is accomplished in those who “do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit” (Romans 8:4).
Examples of Fulfilling the Law Through Love
Here are some examples of how Christians can fulfill God’s moral law through Christlike love and the Spirit’s work:
- Showing patience and forgiveness instead of anger or retaliation.
- Giving generously to help others in need instead of greedily hoarding resources.
- Speaking truth with grace rather than deceiving or slandering.
- Treating others with dignity rather than inappropriately lusting.
- Seeking contentment rather than jealously coveting.
- Pursuing purity in thoughts and actions instead of immorality.
In these examples, the timeless moral principles behind Old Testament laws are fulfilled not just outwardly but with the right heart motivations.
Warnings Against Legalism
Several New Testament passages warn against falling into legalistic adherence to the Old Testament law:
- “Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God…The righteous will live by faith” (Galatians 3:11-12).
- “We know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ” (Galatians 2:16).
- “If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law” (Galatians 5:18).
- “We serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code” (Romans 7:6).
While the law is good if used properly (1 Timothy 1:8), Christians must be careful not to revert to a legalistic misuse of the law, instead of living by the Spirit in faith and freedom.
The Priority of Love Over Law-Keeping
Paul emphasizes repeatedly that faith active in love matters far more than keeping religious rules and rituals. For example:
- “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love” (Galatians 5:6).
- “In Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love” (Galatians 5:6).
- “The entire law is summed up in a single command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Galatians 5:14).
External obedience to religious laws means nothing unless rooted in genuine love for God and others. By walking in the Spirit, Christians are empowered to fulfill God’s laws from the heart.
Old Testament Laws Fulfilled by Christ
Here are some examples of Old Testament ceremonial and civil laws that Christ’s work fulfilled or superseded:
- Animal sacrifices – superseded by Christ’s sacrifice (Hebrews 10:1-18).
- Dietary laws – declared “obsolete” (Mark 7:19; Colossians 2:16-17).
- Sabbath laws – fulfilled in Christ (Colossians 2:16-17).
- Temple laws – replaced by Christ’s work and the church (Ephesians 2:21).
- Purification laws – fulfilled spiritually in Christ (Hebrews 1:3).
- Circumcision mandate – replaced by baptism and circumcision “of the heart” (Colossians 2:11-12).
Under the new covenant in Christ, some Old Testament rituals and observances no longer apply literally or legally. Christians have freedom in cultural issues like food, while upholding God’s moral principles.
Continuity of Moral Principles
While Christians are no longer under the Old Testament laws in a legal sense, the moral and ethical principles behind God’s commands remain timeless. Jesus affirmed the continuance of major moral guidelines like the Ten Commandments (Matthew 19:16-19). Christians still have a duty to uphold moral standards that reflect God’s nature and righteousness.
Summary
In summary, Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament law through His sinless life, sacrificial death, and redemptive work. Believers are now under the new covenant in Christ, who perfectly embodied the requirements of the law on their behalf. Christians are called to uphold the moral law through the Spirit’s enablement, not legalistic adherence. Love is now the highest ethic and fulfillment of Old Testament law. The principles behind God’s law remain valid, providing wisdom and guidance for holy living.
