Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. (Matthew 5:17)
From time to time, I still get people who ask why we don’t have church on Saturdays. That’s a legitimate question for someone who is new to the faith. I explain to them that attending church on Saturday is correct for someone who is still under the Old Covenant. However, we are no longer under the Old Covenant. We are thankful for it and learn from it, but we also have the revelation that we are a part of a better covenant. As believers in the New Covenant, we stand on the foundation of Judaism's spiritual heritage with gratitude, knowing it was all pointing to Jesus.
Jesus is the total completion of the law's purpose. He is the Living Embodiment of the law's intent, and the fulfillment of every prophecy and promise. Yet, He goes beyond just completing the Law; He perfects it. His life, death, and resurrection breathe life into the law.
Paul explained that the law was a schoolmaster giving lessons to guide us to the ultimate revelation: faith in Jesus. We should be thankful for the role the law held in illuminating our path to the Messiah.
How beautiful is the rich story God created by weaving together the Old and the New into a full story of redemption and love!
Practical Application
By no means does New Testament revelation mean that we do away with the Old Covenant. We are called to read the Old Testament with honor, understanding the timeless principles that God outlines in His Word. When you read the law in the Old Testament, do so with the New Covenant in mind and with an attitude of honor and gratitude for what Jesus has provided to those who call on His name.