In Matthew 5:17–20, Jesus explains that He did not come to abolish the Law and the Prophets, but to fulfill them. The Old Testament is not something Christians can discard; its promises, prophecies, and laws point us to Jesus Christ and reveal God's redemptive purposes.
Jesus' teaching also clarifies our relationship to God's law. We are not saved by keeping the law, nor does Christ's fulfillment mean that we have no obligation to pursue righteousness. The law reveals our sin and guides us in loving God and our neighbors, while Christ has accomplished what we could never do for ourselves.
Jesus declares that our righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees. This standard exposes the impossibility of earning salvation through our own efforts. The good news is that Jesus possesses the perfect righteousness we need, and those who repent and trust in Him are given His righteousness. Rather than pursuing good works to earn God's favor, Christians pursue righteous living in response to what Christ has already accomplished for them.
