LAW AND GRACE

We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” (verses 1—2). Paul clarified what Jesus had taught: the Law shows us what God wants (holiness), and grace gives us the desire and power to be holy. Rather than trust in the Law to save us, we trust in Christ. We are freed from the Law’s bondage by His once-for-all sacrifice (Romans 7:6; 1 Peter 3:18).

There is no conflict between grace and the Law, properly understood. Christ fulfilled the Law on our behalf and offers the power of the Holy Spirit, who motivates a regenerated heart to live in obedience to Him (Matthew 3:8; Acts 1:8; 1 Thessalonians 1:5; 2 Timothy 1:14). James 2:26 says, “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” A grace that has the power to save also has the power to motivate a sinful heart toward godliness. Where there is no impulse to be godly, there is no saving faith.https://www.gotquestions.org/law-vs-grace.html

Law is a rule that governs human conduct. God introduced the Law of Moses to the children of Israel. While the Law itself was a complete system that lacked nothing, it was weak in its ability to influence human behavior. This is because of the fallen human nature, but the Law remained holy, pure, and complete. The Law was merit-based; keeping the Law ensured blessings to come.

Another period of the Law will come in the future when Jesus establishes His Kingdom on Earth physically. Scripture says He will rule with a rod of iron and execute judgment quickly. When Jesus spoke on the Sermon of the Mount, He affirmed the Law of Moses.
In between the Law of Moses and the Law to come, mankind lives in the period of grace, a limited, most privileged time to live in.

John 1:16- 17 tells us that grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. “These are God’s feelings and attitude towards us. If we do not understand God’s attitude, we will misjudge Him. We find it difficult to accept grace because under the law system, everything was merit-based, and people were conditioned to believe that what they did determined what they got. Grace, however, teaches us that what we believe determines what we get.”

Grace is what brought mankind to Christ, what saved them, and what keeps them saved. Grace also increases their love and knowledge for Jesus.

Philippians 2:13 says that grace is God working in a person’s lives to fulfill His purpose. When Jesus met with sinners and tax collectors, He showed them grace. Yet, the religious leaders did not understand what He was doing and conspired against Him.

In John 8:2-11, we see the story of the adulteress. Jesus did not deny the accusations against her; instead, he provided her with protection from the crowd that was ready to condemn her and stone her. He restored her dignity and self-esteem, which had been affected, and offered her forgiveness. By doing so, Jesus freed her from condemnation.

“Grace brings you all the promises of God, but it also requires a certain way of living. The consequence of sin is death. While grace provides freedom, that freedom must have boundaries and guidelines. Once you have experienced the freedom that comes from God’s grace, it’s important to establish disciplines in your life to prevent you from becoming ensnared once more by the burden of bondage.”

Grace is defined as “graciousness”, which is the quality of being warm-hearted, considerate, sympathetic, affectionate, and forgiving.