The concept of "Fulfillment, Not Abolition" is rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, particularly in His approach to the Law and the Prophets. This principle is primarily derived from the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus clarifies His relationship to the Old Testament laws and prophecies.

Biblical Foundation

The key scripture that encapsulates this concept is found in Matthew 5:17-18 : "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 pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished."

In this passage, Jesus emphasizes that His mission is not to discard the Old Testament but to bring it to its intended completion. The term "fulfill" (Greek: πληρόω, plēroō) suggests bringing something to its full expression or intended purpose. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection are seen as the culmination of the Law and the Prophets, revealing their ultimate meaning and purpose.

The Law and the Prophets

The "Law" refers to the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament, which contain the commandments given to Israel. The "Prophets" encompass the writings of the prophets who called Israel to faithfulness and foretold the coming of the Messiah. Jesus' fulfillment of these scriptures is multifaceted:

1. Moral Fulfillment: Jesus perfectly embodied the moral and ethical teachings of the Law. His life was a model of righteousness, demonstrating the heart of the Law, which is love for God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40).

2. Prophetic Fulfillment: Jesus fulfilled numerous Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. His birth, ministry, death, and resurrection were in accordance with prophetic expectations (e.g., Isaiah 53, Micah 5:2).

3. Ceremonial Fulfillment: The sacrificial system and ceremonial laws pointed to the need for atonement and holiness. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross fulfilled these requirements, offering a once-for-all atonement for sin (Hebrews 10:1-10).

Implications for Believers

The principle of "Fulfillment, Not Abolition" has significant implications for Christian life and theology:

· Continuity and Discontinuity: While the ceremonial and civil aspects of the Law are fulfilled in Christ, the moral law remains relevant. Believers are called to uphold the moral teachings of the Law, now empowered by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:4).

· Christ-Centered Interpretation: Understanding the Old Testament through the lens of Christ's fulfillment encourages a Christ-centered reading of Scripture. The entire Bible is seen as a unified narrative pointing to Jesus.

· New Covenant: Jesus' fulfillment of the Law establishes the New Covenant, prophesied in Jeremiah 31:31-34. This covenant is characterized by an internal transformation, where God's laws are written on believers' hearts.

Conclusion

The concept of "Fulfillment, Not Abolition" underscores the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament. Jesus' fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets affirms the enduring relevance of Scripture while highlighting the transformative power of His life and work.