He Came Not to Destroy, But to Fulfill

"Our religion is not Christianity so much as Christ. Our gospel is the knowledge, not of a system, but the saving knowledge of a personal Savior."   - James H. Aughey

What demands of the Old Testament are put upon Christians today? Are the Ten Commandments binding? What about the Sabbath, circumcision, tithes, distinctions of clean and unclean foods?

These are some of the perplexing questions that many Christians have on their minds. A common response is that whatever commands were local, temporary, or ceremonial have expired, but the commands of moral value remain.

One will search in vain, however, for this distinction. The best course of action is to carefully examine the Scriptures to see what Jesus said. Therefore, to get us moving along, I refer you to Matthew 5: 17-20. 

"What did Jesus say?" He didn't come to destroy the Law and the Prophets. Although, the religious leaders of the day probably thought so. 

Rather, he came to fulfill what was in the Law and the Prophets. Nothing valid and useful will be lost. It will all be absorbed in the process of fulfillment. Let's take a look, shall we?

The prophecies are fulfilled in Jesus Christ. That which God spoke before about the Messiah through the Law and Prophets, God fulfilled in Jesus (Luke 24:44-48).

The ceremonial system was fulfilled in Jesus. Sacrifices are no longer necessary (John 1:29), Priests are no longer necessary (1 Timothy 2:5-6; Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:17-28). Worship is not confined to the temple nor special places (John 4:21-24).

The ethical teaching is fulfilled in the teaching of Jesus. Christ's standard of righteousness will in every circumstance be higher than the Old Testament standard.

The scribes and Pharisees demanded the letter of the Law be followed. Jesus emphasized the intent of the heart. Illustrations of the righteousness that Christ teaches can be seen in Matthew 5:21-26; 27-30; 31-32; 33-37; 38-42; 43-47.

So, is the Old Testament destroyed by fulfillment in Jesus? In that it hasn't any binding authority except as fulfilled in Jesus, yes. In that not a jot or a tittle of value has been lost, no.

All of the moral teaching of the Law and the Prophets is fulfilled in the two great commandments found in Matthew 22:35-40; Mark 12:28-35. Regarding the Sabbath in the Law, these are not binding on Christians except as fulfilled in the teaching and practice of Jesus (Mark 2:28).

Every value of the Sabbath as a day of worship and for doing good is fulfilled in the teaching of Jesus. The commands about tithes are not binding per se, but are included in Jesus' teaching about total stewardship.

Then, is the Old Testament destroyed? In that it has no independent authority, yes. In that having fulfilled its appointed purpose it has been completed in the new covenant of Christ, no (Romans 10:4).

In conclusion, Jesus Christ is the final authority (Matthew 17:5; John 14:6; Matthew 28:18). The Christian should not restrain his conscience by anything in the Old Testament, the New Testament, or anywhere else that isn't in agreement with the truth as it is in Jesus Christ. All truth is fulfilled in him.

Scripture: Romans 8:3; Luke 16:17; Romans 7:12; James 2:10; Galatians 2:16; 

Prayer: Dear Lord, I need the power of your Spirit in my life to build on what is good, and help change what needs to be changed. In Jesus name I pray, amen

God be with you always,

Kate