The Old Covenant was the first part of God’s plan. Jesus’ coming began the second part. Because of the unity of God’s plan, Jesus does not abolish all the laws that had come before Him. Rather, as He explains, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill” (Matt. 5:17). Jesus, however, does more than simply fulfill and endorse the Ten Commandments; He perfects them. He does this by calling us to live them within as well as without, asking us to let the Commandments shape our hearts as well as our acts. To make that possible, He also supplies us with the grace we need to keep the Commandments, making us able to live the law in a way that was not possible before His coming.