Intro: Did Jesus Abolish the Law?
Many Christians today ask, “Did Jesus abolish the law?” It’s a critical question with eternal implications. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus clearly addressed this misconception. Sadly, numerous unbiblical teachings have misled believers into thinking God’s law is obsolete. But what did Jesus really say? He declared, “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, NIV). That statement alone should silence the false teachers, but let’s dive into seven common lies that distort God’s holy law.
1. Lie: Jesus Ended the Law at the Cross
Some teach that Jesus’ death rendered the law irrelevant. But Scripture says otherwise. Romans 3:31 asks, “Do we then nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.” Jesus fulfilled the law, not to end it, but to show how it is to be lived out perfectly. His death removed the penalty of sin for those who believe, not the standard of holiness. The idea that Jesus abolished the law is not consistent with the whole counsel of Scripture.
2. Lie: Grace Replaces the Law
Grace is not a license to sin. Paul asks in Romans 6:15, “Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means!” Grace empowers us to obey God’s commandments, not disregard them. Obedience is still God’s expectation. Did Jesus abolish the law when He introduced grace? No, He provided the strength to keep it.
3. Lie: The Ten Commandments Are Just Old Covenant Rules
This claim ignores the eternal nature of God’s moral law. The Ten Commandments existed before Moses (Genesis 2:3, Genesis 4:8-9) and reflect God’s unchanging character. Jesus upheld these commandments, even reminded the people of their original depth and spiritual intent (Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28). Did Jesus abolish the law of the Ten Commandments? Scripture says He fulfilled and affirmed it.
4. Lie: Love Replaces the Law
Jesus taught that love fulfills the law (Matthew 22:37-40), not abolishes it. Love is the summary of the law, not its substitute. If we love God, we will obey His commands (John 14:15). True love acts in harmony with God’s commandments. So, did Jesus abolish the law in favor of love? No, He taught that love is the heart of the law.
5. Lie: The Sabbath Command Was Temporary
Many argue that the Sabbath was a ceremonial law for Jews only. Yet Jesus said He is Lord of the Sabbath (Mark 2:28), and the Sabbath was instituted at creation (Genesis 2:2-3). Hebrews 4:9 says, “There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God.” It was never abolished. Did Jesus abolish the law regarding the Sabbath? No, He honored it and clarified its purpose.
6. Lie: Only the Red Letters Matter
Some elevate Jesus’ direct quotes (“red letters”) over the rest of Scripture. But all Scripture is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16). Jesus often quoted and upheld the Old Testament. In fact, He explicitly said He did not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets (Matthew 5:17). Dismissing the writings of Paul or the prophets undermines Jesus Himself. Did Jesus abolish the law found outside His own spoken words? Absolutely not.
7. Lie: The Law Brings Condemnation, Not Life
God’s law is described as holy, righteous, and good (Romans 7:12). While it reveals our sin, it also points us to Christ, who fulfills it and enables us to walk in righteousness. Psalm 19:7 says, “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.” Did Jesus abolish the law that brings this refreshing? No, He fulfilled it and calls us to walk in it by the Spirit.
Conclusion: God’s Law Reflects His Glory
Did Jesus abolish the law? No, He fulfilled it and called us to walk in its light. The law was never the problem; sin was. Jesus magnified the law through His life and called His followers to uphold it through the Spirit. Let us reject these unbiblical lies and embrace the law of the Lord as a guide to holy living. Ask yourself again: Did Jesus abolish the law? Scripture answers clearly—He did not.
For a deeper understanding of Jesus’ words, read the full Sermon on the Mount.