Matthew 5:17-18 Explained; ‘…not to abolish but to fulfill…’ and ‘…not a dot will pass from the Law until all is accomplished…’

Introduction

Here we will see that in no place does the well read passage of Matthew 5:17-18 abolish or cancel Torah Law (the law of Moses).

Instead, we will learn that the things that these verses actually speak of are as follows;

A) Christ was not sent to cancel the Law of Moses, but rather observe (fulfil) G-d’s commandments in his own walk.

B) when it says ‘…not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.’ (ESV), this means no laws are cancelled as per the previous verse – however the ‘new covenant’ was put in place at his death and resurrection – and this means believers are under the new covenant, not the old.

The new covenant ultimately means everlasting life without end at resurrection, and a believer observes the Law of Moses with their believing in G-d and in Messiah (Christ).

You are most welcome to read on for more detailed information with references.

Begin

Subject Passage:

“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.
Matthew 5:17‭-‬18 ESV

Part Verse 17:

‘…the Law…I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them….’ (ESV)

The verse here is telling us that Messiah (Christ) would not remove a single commandment from the Law of Moses.

It tells us instead that;

• Messiah (Christ) came to observe and satisfy all the commandments with regard to his own walk (Psalm 45:7), and fulfil prophetic verses, without sinning once (Isaiah 53:9, Hebrews 4:15).

He would then be raised from the dead and be declared High Priest in the order of Melchizadek (Psalm 110:4, 45:7), mediating the new covenant (Isaiah 42:6, 49:8, 53:12, Romans 8:34, Jeremiah 31:31) which means everlasting life to all who believe (Isaiah 28:16, 28:18, Eph 2:20, John 3:16).

Part Verse 18:

‘…not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished….’ (ESV)

This verse re-emphisises the fact that the law of Moses is forever (Psalm 119:160).

At the death and resurrection of Messiah (Christ) however, the new covenant was instituted for all who believe (Isaiah 42:6, 49:8).

• Levitical sons of Aaron remain priests (Exodus 29:9, Isaiah 66:21-22), as these mediate the mosaic covenant.

The mosaic covenant of deeds based righteousness however does come to an end for those who believ here in Messiah (Christ) (only) (ref. Hebrews 8:13, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Isaiah 53:11-12).

This is because Christ (Messiah) was given as a high priest and mediates the new covenant (Isaiah 42:6, 49:8, 53:12, Romans 8:34, Jeremiah 31:31, Psalms 110:4) – which means righteousness from G-d by faith (Philippians 3:9) that results in everlasting life without end at resurrection, instead of a potentially long life at resurrection that ends in eventual perishing (Isaiah 65:20, IBN Ezra on Isaiah 65:20).

• Again, Christ mediates the new covenant which means everlasting life without end at resurrection for those who believe (Isaiah 28:16, 28:18, Eph 2:20, John 3:16).

He is the confirmed high priest in the order of Melchizadek (Psalm 45:7, 110:4, Hebrews 4:15) – a recognised priesthood (Genesis 14:8) that is legal and regarded.

Hoping it is fruitful.

May the Holy G-d bless you beyond maximum,  believing in His risen Son the Lord Jesus (Yehoshua) Christ (the Messiah). Amen.