Christ Fulfills the Law | Matthew 5

Church of The Word | Sunday Sermons

This morning's message, Christ Fulfills the Law, is crucial to understanding the role of the Old Testament law in the lives of believers. With so much confusion surrounding the topic, it's important to address what it means for Christ to fulfill the law and how that impacts our lives as Christians. The law often raises questions for believers, especially given that we are saved by grace through faith. So, why does the law still matter?

Christ: The Anointed One

First, let's define the term "Christ." It’s not Jesus’ last name but a title that comes from the Greek Christos, meaning "the anointed one," which corresponds to the Hebrew word Mashiach (Messiah). In the Old Testament, three groups of people were anointed: prophets, priests, and kings. Jesus fulfills all three of these roles perfectly:

As Prophet, Jesus reveals the truth of God and convicts us of sin. He preached the good news and revealed the true meaning of the law.

As Priest, Jesus acts as the mediator between us and God. He not only offers the perfect sacrifice for sin—Himself—but He also continually intercedes on our behalf.

As King, Jesus reigns over all creation with authority. He commands obedience, and we, as His followers, are called to submit to His rule.

Understanding the Law in Light of Christ

The law in the Old Testament was given to guide God's people in righteousness, to show them how to live holy lives set apart for Him. However, no one was able to perfectly keep the law, and the law itself could not save anyone—it could only reveal sin. This is where Jesus comes in. As Matthew 5:17 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.”

But what does it mean for Christ to "fulfill" the law? It means He fully satisfies its demands in a way that no human ever could. Let’s break this down:

Christ Teaches the Law’s True Meaning

As a prophet, Jesus came to clarify the heart of the law. Many of His teachings in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) show how the law goes beyond mere external obedience. For example, Jesus explains that anger is tantamount to murder in God's eyes, and lust is equated with adultery. The law points us to the perfection of God, showing us our inability to meet its standard and our need for a Savior.

Christ Satisfies the Law's Demands

As priest, Jesus satisfies the law’s requirements by living a sinless life, perfectly obeying every command. Not only that, He willingly dies on the cross as the final, once-for-all sacrifice for sin. The law demanded justice for sin, and Christ bore the penalty in our place. He fully satisfied the justice of God so that we could be forgiven.

Christ Rules as King

As King, Christ has authority over all things, including the law. He doesn’t abolish the moral law but fulfills its purpose. As believers, we are not under the ceremonial or civil laws given to Israel, but the moral law, which reflects God’s eternal character, still applies to us. Christ's fulfillment of the law means that we now live under His rule, guided by His Spirit, as He empowers us to live righteous lives.

The Law and Grace

Some people might misunderstand grace and think that because we are saved by grace, the law no longer applies to us, leading to a license to sin. But that’s not the case. Paul addresses this in Romans 6:1-2, saying, “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?”

We are saved from sin, not to continue in it. Grace doesn’t give us the freedom to live lawlessly; rather, it gives us the freedom to live righteously. When Christ saves us, He also transforms us, giving us new desires to obey Him and walk in holiness.

What About the Old Testament Law?

You may wonder, “What relevance does the Old Testament law have for Christians today?” While we are not under the law as a means of salvation (because Christ fulfilled it), the moral principles behind the law still guide our lives. The law shows us God’s character—His justice, holiness, and love—and calls us to live in a way that reflects Him.

Living Under Christ's Rule

As followers of Christ, we live under His rule, and He calls us to obey His commands—not out of fear or obligation but out of love. In John 14:15, Jesus says, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” Obedience is the fruit of our relationship with Him.

This doesn’t mean we will obey perfectly. We all fall short, but the good news is that Christ’s sacrifice covers our failures, and His Spirit continues to work in us, transforming us into His likeness. Our goal isn’t to keep the law to earn salvation—that has already been secured by Christ. Rather, we obey out of gratitude for what He has done and a desire to honor Him as our King.

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