Fulfilling, Not Abolishing: Understanding the Law in Our Journey to Christ

Brothers and sisters, as we continue to journey together on this path of discipleship—whether we’ve been in the field for years or if this is our very first week of mission prep—we run into questions that feel monumental. Questions that make us pause, look up, and think, *Wait, what does this actually mean for me?*

One of the most persistent questions, one that pops up in missionary discussions and even in quiet moments of personal study, is: What does it mean that Jesus fulfilled the Law, but did not abolish it? It’s a theological deep dive, but it’s one that touches the very core of our understanding of the Atonement and our covenants.

It’s easy to get tangled up in the details—the Sabbath, the dietary laws, the ancient ordinances. We want to know where the line is drawn between what was preparatory and what is eternal. This isn't about getting bogged down in legalism; it’s about understanding the magnificent scope of the plan of salvation that Christ accomplished for us.

Fulfilling vs. Abolishing: A Necessary Distinction

When we look at Matthew 5:17–18, we hear the Lord say, “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 statement is powerful because it contains two distinct actions: what He *did not* do, and what He *did* do.

To say He didn't abolish it means He didn't render the Word invalid, or dissolve its authority. The scriptures teach us that the Word of God is everlasting—it will outlast the natural world. The Law, in its divine intent, was always pointing toward something greater, something perfect. It was a shadow, as Hebrews reminds us, of the realities to come.

But to say He *fulfilled* it? That’s where the miracle happens. Fulfillment means He embodied it, He perfected it, and He brought it to its ultimate conclusion. Christ perfectly upheld the moral law in His life, and in His sacrificial death, He fulfilled the ceremonial requirements. He didn't come to tear down the entire structure; He came to build the perfect, eternal structure upon the foundation already laid.

The Law and the Spirit: Working Together

This concept helps us understand that the Law, in its highest sense, was always preparing us for the Spirit. The ordinances and commandments were divinely appointed guides, setting a standard of righteousness that could only be met by a perfect being—Jesus Christ. His coming was the culmination, the "goal" (Romans 10:4), making everything whole.

For us, as disciples of the Latter-day Saints, this means that while we are blessed to live under a covenant path guided by modern revelation, we honor the *spirit* of the law—the principle of keeping commandments—while understanding that the *means* of salvation are now through grace by the Atonement.

It’s a beautiful picture of progression. The covenants were always leading us upward, always pointing us toward the fullness of the gospel, which is found in Christ. He didn't erase the map; He showed us the final destination.

If this discussion has stirred your understanding, I encourage you to dive deeper! If you are feeling the pull toward deeper study, check out the GotQuestions.org article linked in the comments. For those who love deep scripture dives, the Iron Rod has some excellent resources on this topic.

As we all strive to be more Christlike in our daily lives—whether we’re in the MTC, serving in a stake, or simply trying to be better neighbors—remember that every single member can be an internet missionary. We are all disciples, always at work!

For those who want to explore this topic further with others, I highly recommend joining a Book Club or a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces. It’s a wonderful way to wrestle with these big questions together.

If you’re feeling a little stuck on how to explain this to an investigator, don't forget Davee! He’s always ready to run through some challenging questions as your AI Investigator co-pilot.

For a great read to ponder this over the week, I recommend checking out the book, *The End of the Law: Mosaic Covenant in Pauline Theology* by Jason Meyer. It’s available in LivingBook.