A common argument I hear made by Christians is that the Old Testament (OT) no longer applies, that Jesus Christ (JC) "fulfilled" them. This is usually based off Matthew 5:17:
17 "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.
Since "fulfill" seems to be the word Christians focus on, let's clarify the definition of the word:
(I have used googles basic definition)
Clearly Christians use the 1st definition "bring to completion", but I'm going to use a trick Christians use often & say they are not using the correct context to figure out the intended definition of "fulfill".
Context is the idea of using surrounding words & phrases to ascertain the intended meaning of a word that has multiple definitions. If you have the right meaning of the word, the definition should almost be able to replace the word & still make sense.
So in the case of Matt. 5:17, you need to look at the rest of the verse to help figure out the context. JC says, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them…". In considering the whole verse, it's obvious JC did not intend to use the "bring to completion" definition since he clearly says he was not abolishing them & you can't complete them & not abolish them at the same time; unless Christians want to admit to yet another contradiction in the Bible.
This brings you to the remaining portion of definition #1, "bring to reality; achieve or realize (something desired, promised, or predicted)." This fits much better into the context, but it's still a bit awkward. So let's look at definition #2, "carry out (a task, duty, or role) as required, pledged, or expected." Let's fit this definition into Matt5:17 instead of the word "Fulfill":
17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to carry out as required, pledged, or expected."
It fits perfectly, so it would seem we've found the intended definition, which clearly indicates JC wanted the OT Laws to stand. He was like a cop on patrol, not looking to abolish robbery laws, but to fulfill those Laws.
However, to really cement this in, let's look at the rest of that section just to make certain that we haven't missed something.
Matt.5:18;
18 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.
It's discussing that not a word is to be removed from they Law, so the chosen context still fits.
19 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.
Here JC says that anyone that does relax them won't be exalted in heaven, so it seems like the chosen context is still applicable.
20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Finally, JC takes a classic shot at the Pharisees, indicating you need to live the laws better than the Pharisees do if you want to get into heaven. These passages are the ones that make me like JC because he wasn't afraid to take on the powerful religious leaders of his time; reminds me of modern day atheists.
There are passages in the bible where it appears JC is relaxing the OT Laws himself. In most of these cases though, he is using it as a reminder to the Pharisees that they are being hypocrites because he took every opportunity he could to take a shot at them. No, I'm not going to pull all these verses or this post will be a short novel, in which case I should publish it & sell it instead.
If you wish to quote some to me in the comments below or on twitter (@Atheist_Eh), feel free & we can discuss how or if they might change the context above.
Note: All bible verses quoted are from the English Standard Version (ESV), mainly because I have that version on my phone & it's a good app to copy/paste from. The fact I have to state which version of the "Perfect Word of God" is another matter for another post.
On the side, here is one of my favourite attacks JC made against the Pharisees found in Matt.23:1-7:
1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples,
2 "The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat,
3 so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice.
4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger.
5 They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long,
6 and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues
7 and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others.
Perhaps I'll do another post someday relating this attack to modern day Pharisees such as Joyce Meyer, John Hagee, Joel Osteen & others, but that's another subject.
