God’s "unfulfilled law" in Christian theology holds significant importance in understanding the mission and teachings of Jesus Christ. When Jesus proclaimed that He came to fulfill the law, it implied that the law, “things laid down or fixed, or layer”, as understood by the people of that time, was incomplete or unfulfilled. The term "law" in this context can be synonymous with "principles" – foundational truths that govern spiritual life. This essay explores the unfulfilled nature of the law, Jesus' role in fulfilling it, and the transition from rigid commandments to enduring spiritual principles.
When Jesus came into the world, He proclaimed that He came to fulfill the law, a declaration that carries profound theological and metaphysical implications. This statement suggests that, prior to His arrival, the law was unfulfilled. Understanding this requires a deep dive into the nature of the law, its purposes, and the transformative role Jesus played.
The "law" in this context refers primarily to the Mosaic Law, a set of commandments and ordinances given to the Israelites through Moses. This law was detailed and specific, encompassing moral, ceremonial, and civil directives. It was designed to guide the people in their relationship with God and each other. However, by the time of Jesus, the law had become heavily interpreted and expanded upon by religious leaders, resulting in a complex system of rules that often emphasized external compliance over internal transformation.
Another way to look at the law is through the lens of "principles." The law, in its essence, encapsulated fundamental principles of righteousness, justice, mercy, and love. These principles were meant to elevate humanity's spiritual and moral conduct, drawing them closer to their divine selves. Yet, the rigid and literal application of the law had often obscured these higher principles, reducing the law to a set of manmade commandments and rituals that missed the deeper spiritual truths.
Jesus' mission to fulfill the law was not merely about adhering to its commandments but about transcending and perfecting them. He aimed to reveal and establish the metaphysical principles underlying the law—principles of spirituality that surpassed the limited practices and interpretations of His time. For example, while the law commanded against murder, Jesus taught that even harboring anger towards another was a violation of the principle of love. In doing so, He shifted the focus from mere external observance to internal transformation.
The fulfillment of the law by Jesus involved a profound reorientation from outward compliance to inward transformation. He taught that the true essence of the law was love—love for God and love for one’s neighbor. This love was not just a feeling but an active principle that governed one's thoughts, actions, and intentions. By embodying and teaching this love, Jesus demonstrated the deeper, metaphysical principles that the law aimed to instill.
Furthermore, Jesus' fulfillment of the law included His role as the ultimate sacrifice. The ceremonial aspects of the Mosaic Law, with its various sacrifices and rituals, pointed towards a greater reality. These were shadows of the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus would make. By offering Himself, Jesus fulfilled the sacrificial system, bringing an end to the need for ongoing animal sacrifices and establishing a new covenant based on His blood.
In essence, Jesus' fulfillment of the law was about transcending the letter of the law to embody and impart its spirit. He revealed that true righteousness went beyond external adherence to rules and involved a deep, internal alignment with divine principles. This internal alignment is characterized by love, mercy, humility, and a sincere pursuit of justice and truth.
In conclusion, Jesus came to fulfill the law, not by merely observing its commands but by transcending them and revealing the higher, metaphysical principles they were meant to convey. He moved beyond the limited practices of manmade commandments to establish a spirituality rooted in love and inner transformation. This fulfillment was both a completion of the old and the inauguration of a new way of relating to God and each other, centered on the deeper principles of divine love and righteousness.
The Mosaic Law: An Overview
The Mosaic Law, given to the Israelites through Moses, comprises a vast array of commandments, rituals, and guidelines. These laws were intended to set the Israelites apart as a holy nation and to govern their relationship with God and each other. The Ten Commandments are perhaps the most well-known component, but the Mosaic Law includes hundreds of additional directives covering moral, ceremonial, and civil aspects of life.
Limitations of the Mosaic Law
External Compliance: The Mosaic Law emphasized external compliance rather than internal transformation. It provided a framework for behavior but did not address accessing Infinite consciousness.
Cultural Specificity: Many laws were specific to the cultural and historical context of ancient Israel, making them difficult to apply universally.
Imperfection in Sacrifice: The sacrificial system was a temporary measure for atonement, highlighting the need for a perfect, once-and-for-all sacrifice.
The Promise of Fulfillment
The prophets of the Old Testament foretold a time when the law would be written on people's hearts, and a new covenant would be established. Jeremiah prophesied, "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people" (Jeremiah 31:33). This pointed towards a transformative, internalized approach to God's principles.
Jesus' Mission to Fulfill the Law
Jesus Christ's arrival marked the beginning of this new covenant. The word “covenant” means, “a valley of assembly or meeting” He stated unequivocally in Matthew 5:17, "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." This declaration indicates that Jesus did not come to nullify the law but to complete its purpose and reveal its true essence.
Fulfillment through Teaching
Jesus’ teachings often expanded and deepened the understanding of the law. The Sermon on the Mount is a prime example, where Jesus reinterprets traditional commandments, focusing on the spirit rather than the letter of the law:
Murder and Anger: "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'You shall not murder…' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment" (Matthew 5:21-22) and murder, anger and judgment are all conditional behaviors of man.
Adultery and Lust: "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Matthew 5:27-28). Jesus is clear on desire with the lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh and the pride of life.
These examples illustrate how Jesus shifted the focus from mere actions to the underlying attitudes and intentions, thus fulfilling the law by revealing its deeper spiritual principles.
Fulfillment through Sacrifice
The ultimate fulfillment of the law was achieved through Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection. The book of Hebrews explains how Jesus’ sacrifice was superior to the old sacrificial system. He is described as the perfect high priest who entered the heavenly sanctuary once for all, offering His own blood for the atonement of humanity’s sins (Hebrews 9:11-14). The word Atonement means, “to unite in spirit or breath”
Establishing Spiritual Principles
Jesus not only fulfilled the Mosaic Law but also established enduring spiritual principles that transcended the limitations of manmade commandments. These principles are above language, feelings and judgment, but does include love, grace, mercy, and justice.
The Principle of Love
When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus replied, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself'" (Matthew 22:37-39). Love, according to Jesus, is the foundation upon which all other laws rest.
The Principle of Grace
Jesus introduced the concept of grace – unmerited favor from God. This principle is illustrated in the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) and the encounter with the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11). Grace transforms and empowers individuals to live righteously, beyond mere adherence to the law.
The Principle of Mercy
Jesus emphasized mercy over judgment. He criticized the Pharisees for their hypocrisy and lack of compassion, stating, "But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice'" (Matthew 9:13). This principle encourages believers to reflect God's mercy in their interactions with others.
The Principle of Justice
Jesus also underscored the importance of justice. He condemned the exploitation of the vulnerable and upheld the dignity of every individual. His actions in the temple, driving out the money changers (Matthew 21:12-13), demonstrated a commitment to righteousness and justice.
The New Covenant: Internalizing the Law
The fulfillment of the law through Jesus Christ inaugurated the new covenant. This covenant, unlike the old, is characterized by an internal transformation facilitated by the Holy Spirit or Holy Breath. The Apostle Paul articulates this in his letters, emphasizing that believers are no longer under the law but under grace (Romans 6:14).
The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in internalizing God's principles within believers. The Spirit guides, teaches, and empowers Christians to live according to God's will. Paul writes, "For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life" (2 Corinthians 3:6), highlighting the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.
Practical Implications for Believers
The shift from external compliance to internalized principles has profound implications for how believers live out their faith. It calls for:
Heart Transformation: A focus on cultivating a heart aligned with God's principles of love, grace, mercy, and justice.
Relationship with God: An intimate, personal relationship with God that goes beyond ritualistic observance.
Ethical Living: Living out the principles of the kingdom of God in daily interactions, reflecting Christ's character in a broken and judgmental world.