Jesus and Old Testament Law

Thesis: Is the God of the Old Testament different from the God of the New Testament regarding his own Law? Jesus said he came to fulfill the Law - not change, reinterpret, redefine or change the opinion of it, but to fulfill it absolutely.

• Jesus said Law was real, binding and of substance beyond the superficial, including the heart.

• OT Prophets and NT Apostles all spoke of the Messiah (Jesus) as the one who fulfilled all prophecy, all messianic offices and all Law.

• Jesus perfectly kept all laws and righteousness to fulfill what God requires

• Christ's perfect fulfillment of Law on man's behalf doesn't excuse the believer from striving to keep it. It should rather become a delight to the one who has had it credited to his account.

• The righteousness that exceeds the Pharisee (v.20), is that which is deeper, rooted in the heart (from Christ) and not external to please man.

CONCLUSION: Our ability to fulfill the law and have it deemed perfect is rooted in Christs fulfillment and working in us.