Jesus fulfilled the law in several profound ways, as outlined in the New Testament. His life, death, and resurrection completed the requirements and purposes of the Old Testament law, both in its moral and ceremonial aspects.
- Fulfilling the Righteous Requirements of the Law:
Jesus lived a sinless life, perfectly obeying every command of the Mosaic Law. He fully met the law’s demands of righteousness. In Matthew 5:17, Jesus said, “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.”
Romans 8:3-4 explains this: “For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us.” - Fulfilling the Ceremonial and Sacrificial Laws:
Many aspects of the Mosaic Law, particularly the sacrifices and ceremonies, pointed forward to Christ. The sacrificial system was a temporary way to atone for sin, but it was ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, the perfect sacrifice. Hebrews 10:1-4 tells us that the Old Testament sacrifices were a shadow of the good things to come but could never fully take away sin. Jesus, as the Lamb of God, offered Himself as the final and perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10, John 1:29). Jesus’ death on the cross satisfied the ceremonial requirements, such as the Day of Atonement and other purification laws (Hebrews 9:11-14). - Fulfilling Prophecies:
Throughout the Old Testament, the Law and the Prophets contained many prophecies about the coming Messiah. Jesus fulfilled those prophecies, including His birth, ministry, death, and resurrection (Luke 24:44). The whole of Scripture pointed to Him (John 5:39). - Establishing a New Covenant:
In fulfilling the law, Jesus inaugurated a new covenant. The old covenant was based on the Mosaic Law, but the new covenant is based on grace through faith in Christ (Hebrews 8:6-13). Jesus’ death and resurrection sealed this new covenant, offering believers direct access to God (Hebrews 10:19-22).
What Law Do Christians Need to Follow?
While Jesus fulfilled the law of Moses, Christians are still called to live by certain principles that reflect God’s moral standards. However, the relationship of Christians to the law is different under the new covenant. Here’s what the Bible teaches about the “law” Christians are to follow:
- The Law of Love:
Jesus summarized the entire law with the commandments to love God and love others. In Matthew 22:37-40, He said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind… And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” This “law of love” is reiterated in the New Testament as the foundation of Christian behavior. Romans 13:8-10 says, “Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.” Love fulfills the moral requirements of the law. - The Law of Christ:
In Galatians 6:2, Paul speaks of fulfilling the “law of Christ” by bearing one another’s burdens. This law is a reference to Jesus’ teaching and example of sacrificial love, servanthood, and humility. It’s the way Christians are called to live in response to God’s grace. John 13:34-35 also highlights this new commandment: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” - Walking by the Spirit:
Christians are not bound by the letter of the Mosaic Law but are instead called to live by the Spirit. Galatians 5:18 says, “But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” Walking by the Spirit produces the fruit of righteousness (Galatians 5:22-23) and enables believers to fulfill the moral aspect of the law without being under its Old Testament ceremonial requirements. Romans 8:4 explains that “the righteous requirement of the law” is fulfilled in those who walk according to the Spirit, not according to the flesh. - Moral Commands Reaffirmed in the New Testament:
While Christians are no longer under the ceremonial or civil aspects of the Mosaic Law, the New Testament reaffirms many of the moral laws of the Old Testament, such as prohibitions against murder, adultery, stealing, and lying (Romans 13:9, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11). These commands are part of God’s enduring moral law and are to be followed as expressions of love and holiness.
Summary of the Law for Christians:
- Christ fulfilled the law by meeting its demands for righteousness and becoming the ultimate sacrifice for sin. He established a new covenant based on grace.
- Christians are not bound by the Old Testament law but are called to live under the law of love and the law of Christ, which emphasizes loving God and loving others.
- The moral law continues to guide Christian behavior, but it is kept not through legalism but through walking in the Spirit.
Ultimately, Christians follow the law of love and grace under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, living lives that reflect the character and teachings of Jesus.