In the Bible, the law generally refers to the commandments and instructions given by God, especially in the Old Testament, to guide Israel in living holy and righteous lives. The law includes the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) and the broader Mosaic Law, which contains moral, ceremonial, and civil regulations.
What the Law Can Do:
- Reveal God’s Standard of Righteousness:
The law shows what is right and wrong according to God’s standards. Romans 7:12 says, “So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.” It teaches what it means to live in a way that pleases God, providing clear moral guidance (Psalm 19:7-11). - Expose Sin:
The law functions as a mirror to show humanity’s sinfulness. Romans 3:20 says, “For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.” It makes us aware of our inability to live up to God’s standards (Romans 7:7). - Point to Our Need for a Savior:
By revealing our sin, the law demonstrates our need for a solution beyond ourselves. Galatians 3:24 says, “So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith.”
What the Law Cannot Do:
- Save Us:
The law cannot make a person righteous before God. Romans 3:20 makes it clear: “For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight.” The law can show our need for salvation but cannot provide it. - Change the Heart:
While the law can guide behavior, it cannot change the inner person. Transformation of the heart is a work of the Holy Spirit (Ezekiel 36:26-27). The law focuses on external obedience, but it doesn’t have the power to regenerate or sanctify (Romans 8:3). - Provide Grace:
The law is based on commands and consequences, not on the free gift of grace. Trying to be justified by the law puts a person under a curse (Galatians 3:10-11).
What is Grace through Faith?
Grace is God’s unmerited favor, a gift that cannot be earned. Faith is trust and belief in God’s promises, particularly in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Grace through faith is the New Testament teaching that salvation is a free gift from God, not based on human efforts but received by trusting in Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.
What Grace through Faith Can Do:
- Provide Salvation:
Ephesians 2:8-9 is key here: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Grace saves us by faith, apart from any works or adherence to the law. Romans 3:28 adds, “For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.” - Justify the Sinner Before God:
Justification is being declared righteous before God, and this comes only through faith in Christ. Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” - Transform the Heart:
Grace brings about inner transformation through the power of the Holy Spirit. This is what the law could not do. Titus 2:11-12 says, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions.” - Secure Eternal Life:
Grace ensures our eternal destiny. Once a person is saved by grace through faith, they are secure in Christ (John 10:28-29). This salvation is not dependent on human effort but on God’s faithfulness.
What Grace through Faith Cannot Do:
- Eliminate the Need for Good Works:
While good works do not contribute to salvation, they are a necessary result of it. Ephesians 2:10 clarifies that we are “created in Christ Jesus for good works.” Faith, if genuine, produces a life of obedience and fruitfulness (James 2:17). - Exclude Human Responsibility:
Although salvation is by grace, believers are still called to live in obedience and pursue sanctification. Philippians 2:12-13 instructs Christians to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” - Excuse Ongoing Sin:
Grace is not a license to continue in sin. Romans 6:1-2 asks, “Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means!” Grace calls us to live in holiness as a response to God’s love (Titus 2:11-14).