Jesus Fulfills the Law

Introduction

One of the most profound truths revealed in Scripture is that Jesus came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it. This statement, spoken by our Lord Himself, has deep meaning for every believer who desires to walk in obedience and grace. Understanding what it means that Jesus fulfills the Law brings freedom from legalism, clarity in our walk with God, and assurance of salvation through faith.

Jesus’ Declaration

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. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.”
– Matthew 5:17–18 (NIV)

In these words, Jesus clarifies His mission. He did not disregard the Law given to Moses, nor did He dismiss the prophets. Instead, His life, death, and resurrection accomplished the ultimate purpose of the Law.

The Purpose of the Law

Before we can understand how Jesus fulfills the Law, we must remember why God gave the Law in the first place.

To reveal God’s holiness.
The Law showed the people of Israel God’s righteous standards. “Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.” – Leviticus 19:2.
To expose sin.
The Law served as a mirror, making sin visible. “Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.” – Romans 3:20.
To point to the need for a Savior.
The Law prepared the way for Christ by showing that no one could fully meet its demands. “So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith.” – Galatians 3:24.

How Jesus Fulfilled the Law

Jesus fulfilled the Law in three key ways:

1. By Perfect Obedience

Where humanity failed, Jesus triumphed. He lived a sinless life, fully obeying every command of God.

“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” – 1 Peter 2:22
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” – Hebrews 4:15

Jesus’ perfect obedience demonstrated what the Law required, but more importantly, it positioned Him as the spotless Lamb who could die for the sins of the world.

2. By Fulfilling Prophecy

The Law and the Prophets pointed forward to the Messiah. Jesus fulfilled every prophecy concerning the promised Savior.

“These are the very Scriptures that testify about me.” – John 5:39
“Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” – Luke 24:44

From His birth in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), to His suffering on the cross (Isaiah 53), and even His resurrection (Psalm 16:10), Jesus embodied the fulfillment of God’s promises.

3. By Becoming the Final Sacrifice

The Law required continual sacrifices for sin, but these were only shadows pointing to the ultimate sacrifice.

“For the law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves.” – Hebrews 10:1
“But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God.” – Hebrews 10:12

Jesus’ death on the cross fulfilled the sacrificial system once and for all. Through His blood, forgiveness and reconciliation with God became possible.

What This Means for Believers

1. Freedom from the Burden of the Law

Believers are no longer bound by the heavy yoke of trying to earn righteousness through works.

“For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.” – Romans 6:14
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” – Galatians 5:1

This freedom does not mean lawlessness but living under grace, empowered by the Spirit to walk in obedience.

2. Righteousness Through Faith

Because Jesus fulfilled the Law, believers are declared righteous not by works but by faith.

“This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.” – Romans 3:22
“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” – Romans 10:4 (ESV)

Righteousness is now a gift, not something earned.

3. Living by the Spirit

The Law pointed to external obedience, but in Christ, the Spirit writes God’s commands on our hearts.

“I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts.” – Hebrews 8:10
“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” – Galatians 5:16

Believers fulfill the righteous requirement of the Law not by striving in their own strength but by walking in the Spirit.

The Balance: Grace and Obedience

Some may ask: If Jesus fulfilled the Law, does this mean the Law no longer matters? The answer is that while we are not justified by the Law, we are called to live out the spirit of the Law through love.

Jesus summarized the Law in two commands:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” – Matthew 22:37
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” – Matthew 22:39

Paul echoes this truth:

“For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” – Galatians 5:14

Thus, love becomes the evidence that we are walking in the fulfillment of the Law through Christ.

Practical Application for Believers

Rest in His Finished Work. Stop striving to earn what Jesus has already accomplished. Believe in His completed sacrifice.
Walk in the Spirit. Depend on God’s Spirit daily to empower your obedience.
Live a Life of Love. Let love guide your actions toward God and others.
Reflect Christ’s Holiness. Because He fulfilled the Law, we are called to be holy in conduct and thought.
Proclaim His Fulfillment. Share with others the good news that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works of the Law.

Conclusion

Jesus did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it perfectly. He accomplished what no human could, living a sinless life, fulfilling prophecy, and offering Himself as the final sacrifice. For believers, this truth brings freedom, assurance, and empowerment to live by the Spirit.

Let us rejoice that in Christ, we are no longer bound by the letter of the Law but are free to live in the power of grace and truth. Truly, in Him, every requirement of the Law has found its fulfillment.

“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” – John 1:17