Why should we keep the law while under grace?

The Question of Law and Grace

The question of whether Christians should keep the law while under grace has been a significant theological debate throughout history. Some argue that grace abolishes the need for law-keeping, while others maintain that the law still has a vital role in the believer’s life. The Bible provides clear guidance that while we are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), the law remains important as a standard of righteousness and an expression of our love for God. Understanding this relationship is essential for Christians who seek to live a life that honors God. This article will explore the multifaceted role of the law in the life of a believer, emphasizing that grace does not negate the law but rather empowers us to fulfill it.

Understanding the Purpose of the Law

To grasp why the law is still relevant, we must first understand its purpose. The law serves multiple functions in the life of a believer:

• Defining Sin: The law provides a clear definition of sin. As stated in “1 John 3:4” (NKJV), “Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.” Without the law, we would have no knowledge of sin (Romans 7:7).
• Guiding Conduct: The law guides Christian conduct by reflecting God’s character. Paul emphasizes that the law is holy, just, and good (Romans 7:12). The moral principles found in the Ten Commandments provide a guide for righteous living.
• Pointing to Christ: The law ultimately points to our need for a Savior. It reveals our shortcomings and drives us to seek grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

Romans 3:31 (NKJV) – Establishing the Law Through Faith

Paul directly addresses this issue in “Romans 3:31”: “Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law.” This verse makes it clear that faith does not nullify the law but rather upholds it. The righteousness of God is revealed through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:22), yet the law remains established. This means that while we are justified by faith, obedience to the law follows as an effect of salvation, not its cause. Thus, our faith in Christ does not lead us to disregard the law but encourages us to embrace it as a guide for living.

Salvation Is by Grace, Not by Works of the Law

The Bible consistently teaches that salvation is a gift of grace, not something we earn through law-keeping. For example:

• Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV): “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
• Titus 3:5 (NKJV): “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.” These verses confirm that obedience to the law is not the basis of our justification. If salvation were earned by law-keeping, grace would no longer be a gift but a wage (Romans 4:4-5).

The Role of the Law in the Life of a Believer

Though the law cannot save us, it still plays a crucial role in the life of a believer:

• The Law Defines Sin: “Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4, NKJV). Without the law, we would have no knowledge of sin (Romans 7:7).
• The Law Guides Christian Conduct: Paul emphasizes that the law is holy, just, and good (Romans 7:12). The moral principles found in the Ten Commandments reflect God’s character and provide a guide for righteous living.
• Jesus Upheld the Law: Christ did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). His life exemplified perfect obedience to the Father’s commandments (John 15:10).

Grace Empowers Us to Obey the Law

Rather than abolishing the law, grace enables believers to keep it joyfully. “Romans 6:14-15” (NKJV) states: “For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not!” Being under grace does not mean we are free to sin; rather, it empowers us to live righteously. “Ezekiel 36:26-27” (NKJV) adds: “I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.” This demonstrates that grace, through the Holy Spirit, transforms our hearts and enables us to obey God’s commandments out of love rather than obligation. The transformation that grace brings allows us to see the law not as a burden but as a blessing.

Love and Obedience Go Hand in Hand

Obedience to God’s law is a natural response to His grace. “John 14:15” (NKJV) says: “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” Furthermore, “1 John 5:3” (NKJV) states: “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.” Genuine faith produces a desire to obey God, not to earn salvation but as an act of love and gratitude. This relationship between love and obedience is foundational to the Christian faith, illustrating that our actions reflect our commitment to God.

The Law and Judgment

The law is also the standard by which all will be judged. “James 2:12” (NKJV) reminds us: “So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty.” Additionally, “Ecclesiastes 12:13-14” (NKJV) states: “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment.” Since we will be judged by God’s law, it remains relevant for believers. Understanding this helps us appreciate the importance of living according to God’s standards, as they guide us toward a life that is pleasing to Him.

Paul’s Teaching on the Law and Grace

Some misunderstand Paul’s writings to suggest that the law is abolished. However, Paul consistently upheld the law as a guide for believers. For instance, “Romans 7:22” (NKJV) states: “For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man.” In “1 Corinthians 7:19” (NKJV), he adds: “Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is what matters.” Clearly, Paul did not see the law as obsolete but as an integral part of the Christian life. His teachings emphasize that while grace is the means of our salvation, the law serves as a moral compass that directs our actions.

While we are saved by grace through faith, the law remains God’s standard of righteousness. Our obedience is not a means to earn salvation but a response to the grace we have received. As “Romans 3:31” states, we do not make void the law through faith; rather, we establish it. Grace does not free us from obeying God’s commandments but enables us to keep them joyfully. Thus, a true Christian, transformed by grace, will seek to obey God’s law-not as a burden, but as an expression of faith and love. This understanding fosters a deeper relationship with God, as we align our lives with His will and purpose.