The old law was instituted to set Israel apart from the rest of the world, but it also demonstrated how depraved mankind really is. It was impossible for Israel to keep God's commands and live up to the letter of the law, just as it is impossible for people today. Jesus pointed this out in Matthew 5. He also demonstrated that he was the fulfillment of the law. He summed up the law when he said, "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself."