Jesus Did Not Come to Abolish the Law and the Prophets
Too many people who read and study the Bible focus on the New Testament and dismiss the Old as no longer relevant. Yet we are wise to embrace the Old Testament. When we do, we’ll develop a greater understanding of God and who he is.
Not Just Fulfill the Law and the Prophets
When Jesus says he comes to fulfill the Law and the prophets, he first confirms he hasn’t come to eliminate them (Matthew 5:17). He directly states his purpose is not to abolish the Law and the Prophets. This means they’re still relevant and apply to us today.
Yet many people today focus on the word fulfill. Taking it out of context, they use it to justify ignoring the words, teaching, and truth of the Old Testament. They think their conclusion is biblical. It is not.
This is because they ignore Jesus saying that his purpose was not to do away with the Old Testament. Instead, he would fulfill it by building upon it.
In his words that follow this verse, Jesus shows exactly how he builds upon the Old Testament in six practical, applicable ways (Matthew 5:21-46).
In this passage, he expands what the Old Testament says about murder, adultery, divorce, making oaths, taking revenge, and love.
He extends what these Old Testament verses teach in eye-opening, revolutionary ways. We can’t embrace this teaching of Jesus unless we first embrace the Old Testament and what it says.
The Permanence of the Law
Another time Jesus says it’s easier for heaven and earth to be destroyed than for a single letter—even a single stroke of a letter—to disappear from the Old Testament Law (Luke 16:17).
Yes, heaven and earth will one day be destroyed at the end of time, when Jesus gives us a new heaven in the new earth (Revelation 21:1).
At that time, it’s possible that Scripture may no longer apply. But until that future-focus day occurs, the Bible remains intact, and we must embrace the Old Testament.
To Teach Us
Paul says that everything written in the past was intended to teach us. As we persist in following what these Scriptures tell us, we’re encouraged by the hope that they provide (Romans 15:4).
Yet, if we ignore the Old Testament, we miss out on its encouragement and won’t be able to grasp the hope it provides. If we dismiss what the Old Testament says, we miss what it teaches. This is why we must embrace it.
All Scripture is Useful
Later, in writing to Timothy, Paul instructs his protégé that all Scripture comes from God and is useful. It teaches us, rebukes us, and corrects us. It trains us in how to be righteous (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
All Scripture means all—not just some portions or the parts we like.
When we embrace the words of all Scripture, we become better equipped to serve God and prepared to do good things. To achieve these results, it’s critical that we embrace all parts of Scripture—both the Old Testament and the New.
Embrace the Old Testament
Jesus tells us that he did not come to abolish the Old Testament. It will remain unchangeable and permanent until the end of time.
Paul teaches that the Old Testament Scriptures are there to teach us. They have practical application in how we serve our Lord and relate to others.
Unless we choose to dismiss what Jesus says and Paul teaches, we must embrace the Old Testament.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront a status quo faith and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.
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