How Did Jesus Fulfill The Law

How Did Jesus Fulfill the Law? A Deeper Look at Matthew 5-7

The question of how Jesus fulfilled the law is central to Christian theology. It's not simply a matter of historical accuracy, but a cornerstone of understanding the nature of salvation and the Christian life. This article will explore how Jesus, through his life, death, and resurrection, fulfilled the Old Testament Law, not by abolishing it, but by fulfilling its deeper purpose. This fulfillment is a key aspect of understanding the Gospel message.

The Sermon on the Mount: A New Standard

Many believe Jesus' fulfillment of the law is most clearly seen in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). Here, Jesus doesn't simply restate the Ten Commandments, but expands on their principles, revealing their deeper spiritual implications. He doesn't negate the law, but elevates it to a higher spiritual plane. This is crucial to understanding his teachings.

• Internalizing the Law: Jesus emphasizes the importance of inner righteousness. While the Old Testament law focused on outward actions, Jesus highlights the importance of inner motivations and intentions. For instance, he condemns anger (Matthew 5:22) and lust (Matthew 5:28), showing that the spirit behind the act is as important, if not more so, than the act itself. This is a key aspect of the Christian message.
• Perfect Obedience: Jesus lived a life of perfect obedience to God's law, something no one else had ever achieved. This perfect adherence to the law's demands is a crucial element of his atoning work. He upheld the standard the law demanded, but a standard no one else could achieve. This highlights the need for a savior.
• Expanding the Law's Principles: Jesus expanded on the principles of the law, illustrating its implications in everyday life. He taught about forgiveness (Matthew 6:14-15), love for enemies (Matthew 5:44), and the importance of humility (Matthew 5:3). These teachings show the law's spiritual depth, far beyond mere legalistic observance. This shows the transformative power of God's love.

Jesus as the Perfect Sacrifice

Beyond the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus' fulfillment of the law is also seen in his sacrificial death. The Old Testament law prescribed animal sacrifices to atone for sin. These sacrifices were a temporary measure, pointing toward a future, ultimate sacrifice. Jesus, as the "Lamb of God" (John 1:29), became that ultimate sacrifice. His death on the cross satisfied God's righteous judgment against sin, thereby fulfilling the demands of the law.

• Bearing the Penalty of Sin: Jesus took upon himself the punishment for humanity's sin, bearing the weight of God's wrath. Through this act of perfect obedience, even unto death, he fulfilled the demands of the law for justice. This highlights God's perfect justice and perfect love.
• Reconciling Humanity to God: Through his sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus reconciled humanity to God, bridging the gap created by sin. This reconciliation eliminates the need for animal sacrifices and makes it possible for humans to receive God's grace. This provides access to a loving, relational relationship with God.
• Establishing a New Covenant: Jesus' death established a new covenant, replacing the old covenant of the law. The new covenant is based on grace and faith in Jesus Christ, not on human adherence to the law. This is a core element of the Christian faith.

The Law's Purpose Fulfilled

Jesus' fulfillment of the law didn't abolish it, but rather fulfilled its purpose. The law, with its commandments, served as a mirror reflecting humanity's sinfulness and need for a savior. Jesus, by his perfect life and sacrificial death, showed the way to righteousness and provided the means for humanity to be reconciled to God. The law pointed to Christ; Christ fulfilled the law. This understanding forms a crucial part of Christian doctrine.

In conclusion, Jesus fulfilled the law not by discarding it, but by perfectly obeying it, ultimately atoning for humanity's transgressions through his sacrifice. His life and teachings reveal the deeper spiritual meaning of the law, pointing to a relationship with God based on grace and faith. This understanding is essential to grasping the heart of the Gospel message and living a life that honors God.