Law Versus Grace
The
Apostle Paul made it clear that we are not under the law but under grace:
Romans 6:14 ... for you are not under law but under grace.
Galatians 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them."
Galatians 3:24-25 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.
Galatians 5:3 And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law.
James concurred with Paul when he said:
James 2:10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.
Though the Christian is not under the law, does that mean he can do as he pleases? Paul addressed that issue when he said:
Romans 6:15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not!
So how do we reconcile law versus grace? Maybe the following illustration will help.
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Mind
Set:
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Motivation:
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Realm:
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Experiential
Outworking:
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Result:
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Law
Oriented
|
Obey
the Law of Moses in order
to merit God's favor...
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for
salvation. |
The
self-reliant sinner
tries to earn God's favor by his own works. |
I
never knew you;
depart from me. 1 |
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for
sanctification. |
The
self-reliant Christian
tries to gain God's blessings by his own efforts. |
Wood,
hay
& stubble. 2 |
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Grace
Oriented
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Obey
the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus (Rom 8:2) because
of God's unmerited favor...
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for
salvation and sanctification |
The
Christ-dependant believer rests in his position of being crucified with
his risen Lord who is his sanctification.
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Much
fruit. 3
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