Did Jesus Do Away With The Old Testament Law?

The debate about whether Christians should keep the Old Testament law or if Jesus did away with it has been ongoing for centuries. The Old Testament law, often referred to as the law of God or law of Moses, was given to God's people as a guide for righteous living. But did Jesus's sacrifice on the cross render the law obsolete?

Jesus's Words on the Law

In Matthew 5:17-20, Jesus directly addresses this question. He says, "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." The word "abolish" means to cause something to be no longer in force. Jesus explicitly states that he did not come to cause the law to be no longer in force. So, what did he mean by "fulfill"?

The word "fulfill" in this context means to bring to full expression, to show it forth in its true meaning. Jesus fulfilled the law by teaching and demonstrating how to properly keep it. He expounded upon the law, bringing out its true application and meaning. Jesus's intention was not to abolish the law but to show its true purpose.

The Permanence of the Law

In the same passage, Jesus goes on to say that not an iota or dot would pass away from the law until heaven and earth pass away. He emphasizes that nothing from the law will pass away until the end of the age. This means that the law will remain relevant as long as heaven and earth exist. The law is not going away anytime soon.

Furthermore, Jesus admonishes his followers to do and teach even the least of The Commandments of the law. He warns that whoever relaxes even the least of The Commandments will be least in the Kingdom. This shows that Jesus expected his followers to uphold the law and not relax or disregard any of its commandments.

Keeping the Law Better

Jesus calls his followers to a way of righteousness that exceeds the scribes and Pharisees. He teaches them how to keep the law better than the ways of the religious leaders of that time. The Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew chapters 5-7, is where Jesus expounds on the correct way to keep the law and explains why his way is superior to the ways of the scribes and Pharisees.

So, should Christians keep the Old Testament law? According to Jesus's clear statement in Matthew 5, it seems that the answer is yes. Dr. Carmen Iams, a Christian scholar, summarizes Jesus's answer well: "Jesus does not do away with the Old Testament law; he calls people back to it and holds them to it."

Interpreting Difficult Passages

While Matthew 5 provides a clear statement from Jesus on the law, other Bible verses may seem to contradict this view. It is important to interpret difficult passages in light of clear passages. Matthew 5:17-20 is an unambiguous command to obey the whole Torah.

Statements made by Paul, such as in Romans 6:14 and Galatians 5:18, which seem to suggest that Christians are not under the law, should be interpreted in light of Jesus's teaching in Matthew 5. Paul's arguments are nuanced and often directed towards those who pervert the law into a means of salvation rather than a response to salvation.

Paul considered the law to be a good thing. He opposed the misuse of the law but not the law itself. He emphasized that we are saved by grace through faith, but also upheld the law. Paul's statements should be understood as rhetorical responses to opponents who misunderstood the role of the law.

The Relevance of the Law Today

In conclusion, the Old Testament law, the Torah, is still relevant today. Jesus did not do away with it but rather fulfilled it by showing its true meaning and application. Christians are called to keep the law, not in a legalistic manner, but as a willing and grateful response to the salvation received through Jesus.

Let us look at the scriptures with fresh eyes and consider this issue in light of Jesus's clear statement on the matter. The law is not a burden to be discarded but a guide for righteous living. As Christians, let us strive to keep the law in the way that Jesus taught us, surpassing the righteousness of the religious leaders of our time.