The concept of Christ as the fulfillment is central to Christian theology, emphasizing that Jesus Christ is the realization of Old Testament prophecies, promises, and types. This theme is woven throughout the New Testament, where Jesus is portrayed as the culmination of God's redemptive plan for humanity.

Fulfillment of Prophecy

The New Testament writers frequently highlight how Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecies. Matthew's Gospel, in particular, underscores this theme. For instance, Matthew 1:22-23 states, "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel' (which means 'God with us')." This passage references Isaiah 7:14, presenting Jesus' birth as the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy.

Similarly, Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey is seen as the fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9. Matthew 21:4-5 records, "This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: 'Say to the Daughter of Zion, "See, your King comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey."'"

Fulfillment of the Law

Jesus is also depicted as the fulfillment of the Mosaic Law. In the Sermon on the Mount, He declares, "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" (Matthew 5:17). This statement indicates that Jesus embodies the true intent and purpose of the Law, bringing it to its full expression.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this in Romans 10:4, stating, "Christ is the end of the law, to bring righteousness to everyone who believes." Here, "end" signifies both the goal and the completion of the Law, achieved through Christ's life, death, and resurrection.

Fulfillment of Covenantal Promises

Christ is seen as the fulfillment of God's covenantal promises to Israel. The promise to Abraham that "all peoples on earth will be blessed through you" (Genesis 12:3) finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. Paul writes in Galatians 3:16, "The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say, 'and to seeds,' meaning many, but 'and to your seed,' meaning one, who is Christ."

Moreover, Jesus fulfills the Davidic Covenant, which promised a ruler from David's line whose kingdom would endure forever. In Luke 1:32-33, the angel Gabriel announces to Mary, "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will never end."

Fulfillment of Typology

Typology in the Old Testament finds its fulfillment in Christ. Jesus is the true Passover Lamb, as Paul notes in 1 Corinthians 5:7, "For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed." The sacrificial system, the priesthood, and the tabernacle all prefigure Christ's redemptive work.

The author of Hebrews expounds on this, particularly in Hebrews 9:11-12: "But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption."

Fulfillment of Messianic Expectations

The New Testament presents Jesus as the Messiah who fulfills Jewish expectations, albeit in unexpected ways. While many anticipated a political liberator, Jesus' mission was spiritual, offering salvation from sin. In John 4:25-26, the Samaritan woman acknowledges the coming Messiah, to which Jesus responds, "I who speak to you am He."

Peter's declaration in Acts 2:36 encapsulates this fulfillment: "Therefore let all Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." Jesus' life, death, and resurrection fulfill the messianic hope, establishing Him as the Savior and Lord.