Many Christians have been taught that Jesus abolished the law of God when He came to earth. According to this idea, the commandments found in the Old Testament—especially the Ten Commandments—are no longer binding on believers today.
But is this what the Bible actually teaches?
When we carefully examine the words of Jesus and the teaching of the apostles, a very different picture emerges. Rather than abolishing God’s law, Jesus affirmed its authority, explained its deeper meaning, and showed how it should be lived from the heart.
Understanding this subject is essential because the Bible defines sin, repentance, and righteous living in relation to God’s law.
Let’s examine what Scripture truly says.
1. Jesus Clearly Said He Did Not Come to Abolish the Law
One of the most important statements Jesus ever made about God’s law appears in the Sermon on the Mount.
Matthew 5:17–18
“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.”
Jesus began with the words “Do not think.” This suggests that some people might mistakenly assume He intended to abolish the law.
Instead, Jesus clarified that He came to fulfill the law—not destroy it.
The Greek word translated “fulfill” means to complete, to fill up, or to fully reveal the intended meaning. Jesus lived a perfect life of obedience and showed the true spiritual depth of God’s commandments.
He then added a powerful statement: not even the smallest part of the law would disappear while heaven and earth still exist.
Since heaven and earth are still here, the law has not passed away.
2. Jesus Taught the Deeper Meaning of the Law
After explaining that the law remains valid, Jesus began teaching its deeper spiritual application.
For example:
The Sixth Commandment – Murder
Matthew 5:21–22
“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder’… But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment.”
Jesus showed that the commandment against murder is not only about physical violence—it also includes hatred and uncontrolled anger.
The Seventh Commandment – Adultery
Matthew 5:27–28
“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
Here Jesus explained that sin begins in the heart and mind, not just outward behavior.
Rather than abolishing the law, Jesus raised the standard, revealing the spiritual intent behind the commandments.
3. Jesus Connected Love and Obedience
Another common misunderstanding is that love replaced God’s law.
In reality, Jesus taught that love and obedience go together.
When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus answered:
Matthew 22:37–40
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind… And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
These statements summarize the entire law:
• The first four commandments teach love toward God.
• The last six commandments teach love toward other people.
Love does not replace the law—it fulfills its purpose.
4. The Apostles Also Taught That God’s Law Still Matters
The New Testament writers continued to affirm the importance of God’s law.
The Apostle Paul
Paul is sometimes misunderstood as teaching that the law no longer matters. Yet he clearly wrote:
Romans 7:12
“Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good.”
He also said:
Romans 3:31
“Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law.”
Paul explained that salvation comes through grace, but this does not mean God’s commandments are abolished.
The Apostle John
John gave a very direct definition of sin.
1 John 3:4 (Good News Bible)
“Whoever sins is guilty of breaking God’s law, because sin is a breaking of the law.”
If God’s law had been abolished, there would be no definition of sin.
5. Jesus Expected His Followers to Keep the Commandments
Jesus also taught that obedience would characterize those who truly follow Him.
John 14:15
“If you love Me, keep My commandments.”
He also said:
Matthew 19:17
“If you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”
This does not mean people earn salvation by obedience. The Bible teaches that salvation is a gift of grace through faith.
However, obedience is the result of a transformed life, not the cause of salvation.
6. The Real Issue: Law vs. Misunderstanding the Law
Much of the confusion comes from misunderstanding what the New Testament says about the law.
The Bible distinguishes between several things:
• God’s moral law (including the Ten Commandments)
• Ceremonial regulations connected with temple sacrifices
• Human traditions added by religious leaders
Jesus frequently challenged human traditions, but He consistently upheld God’s commandments.
7. The Law Shows Humanity’s Need for Salvation
Another important purpose of God’s law is to reveal sin.
Paul explained:
Romans 3:20
“Through the law comes the knowledge of sin.”
When people see God’s standard of righteousness, they recognize their need for forgiveness and salvation through Jesus Christ.
This leads to repentance and a transformed life.
Conclusion
The Bible consistently shows that Jesus did not abolish the law of God.
Instead, He:
• Affirmed its authority
• Revealed its deeper spiritual meaning
• Lived it perfectly
• Taught His followers to obey it from the heart.
God’s law reflects His character and defines what is right and wrong. Rather than being abolished, it remains an important guide for those who seek to follow Christ.
True followers of Jesus do not reject God’s commandments—they learn to live by them through the help of God’s Spirit.
Related Artic
To understand this topic more deeply, see these related studies:
• What Is Sin? The Bible’s Definition and the Purpose of God’s Law
• What Is True Repentance?
• What Does It Mean to Do the Will of God?
• What Is the Gospel of the Kingdom of God?
Together, these studies help explain how God’s law, repentance, and the gospel message fit into the Bible’s overall plan of salvation.