Today is May 17th, and that immediately brings to mind another significant 5:17: Matthew 5:17. For Pronomians, this scripture is foundational, clearly outlining what we believe Jesus intended regarding the Law and how we, as followers, are meant to respond to it. Let’s consider this passage and see why it holds such importance, examining some objections and clarifying why it’s our greatest argument.

Matthew 5:17-20 (ESV) says:

“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. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

What Does “Fulfill” Really Mean?

One common argument against our understanding of Matthew 5:17 claims that “fulfilling” the Law means Jesus made it obsolete. That His death and resurrection ended the need for believers to follow it. But consider that carefully: if Jesus meant to make the Law obsolete, why contrast “fulfill” with “abolish” at all? Wouldn’t the meaning become redundant if fulfilling actually meant abolishing?

The Greek term translated “fulfill” (plēroō) means “to fill up,” “to complete,” or “to fully teach.” Jesus is clearly stating, “I haven’t come to do away with these commands; rather, I’ve come to clarify, demonstrate, and exemplify what it truly means to keep them.”

Consider also the context. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches timeless principles: humility, purity, mercy… Are these principles temporary? Clearly not! They reflect God’s perfect and enduring standard. To argue that Christ’s fulfillment rendered the Law obsolete would suggest that He introduced something “better” than perfect(Psalm 19:4), which logically makes no sense. If something is perfect for a certain purpose, “better” does not exist. If it did, “perfect” would be the wrong adjective.

The Law and the Prophets: An Unbroken Unity

When Jesus mentions “the Law and the Prophets,” He’s referring to the entirety of the Hebrew Scriptures, what many call the Old Testament today. For example, in Luke 24:44, Jesus explicitly says that everything written about Him in “the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms” must be fulfilled. Here, “the Law and the Prophets” is shorthand for the entirety of God’s revelation before Christ’s coming, which Jesus never dismissed or belittled. So we know that He was referring to it all.

Did the Apostles Miss the Memo?

Some suggest that after Jesus’ resurrection, the apostles eventually understood they no longer needed to keep the Law. But if that’s true, consider Peter’s reaction in Acts 10:14: “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.” Did Peter entirely miss Jesus’ supposed abolition of dietary laws? Were the apostles mistaken all along?

Moreover, why do we see continued fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in Acts (like Acts 15:13-17 referencing Amos 9), if everything was already completed at the cross, rendering the Old Testament obsolete? Clearly, early believers saw ongoing relevance and authority in the Hebrew Scriptures.

If our theology causes us to believe that the apostles fundamentally misunderstood Jesus’ teachings, we should question that theology carefully.

Life Changes and Practical Implications

So, what happens if Pronomians are right about this? How does it practically impact our lives? Let me share some of the most meaningful ways my life has been enriched by embracing this understanding:

1. I no longer eat pork or certain seafood. No big deal, just choose the chicken option instead.
   
2. I intentionally rest from hard, strenuous work every seventh day, creating space to worship, reflect, and recharge spiritually. This has been the most beneficial practice, perhaps even life-saving at times.
   
3. Celebrating Biblical Feasts:
   
   • Passover helps me remember Christ’s sacrifice and my call to remove sin from my life.
     
   • Pentecost reminds me of the Holy Spirit’s empowerment to obey God’s Law, written on our hearts.
     
   • The Feast of Trumpets emphasizes the joyful anticipation of Christ’s return.
     
   • The Day of Atonement underscores total dependence on God’s mercy and salvation.
     
   • The Feast of Tabernacles reminds me that this life is temporary, and Christ will redeem us fully.
     

These are not burdens. These practices are meaningful and keep my life aligned closely with God’s heart and His will.

Addressing the Biggest Objection: Salvation by Works?

Critics often argue, “You’re keeping these laws to earn salvation!” This objection profoundly misunderstands our position. Imagine asking Christians to stop celebrating Easter to prove they aren’t earning salvation. Most would feel uncomfortable, not because they’re earning salvation, but because they are trying to genuinely celebrate what God has done. Similarly, our observance of biblical feasts isn’t about earning salvation but expressing gratitude, obedience, and spiritual devotion to practices that God has laid out to improve our lives.

Why This Matters Today

This 5.17, let’s remember clearly what Jesus Himself said. He didn’t abolish God’s Law; He fulfilled it. He demonstrated how to obey perfectly and redeemed us from its curse, empowering us to live in alignment with His will.

As you pursue obedience, celebrate His Sabbaths, and keep His appointed times, remember Acts 5:41. Like the apostles, we can count it joy when our obedience to Christ draws misunderstanding or mockery. After all, faithfulness is a privilege, never a burden.

Let today, May 17th, renew your conviction in Matthew 5:17-20, as you embrace the richness of meaning that obedience to His Law genuinely brings.