The Distinction Between Law and Grace:
The Hebrew and Greek word for “law” in scripture is used with considerable latitude, and to be sure of its precise meaning, it is of the utmost importance that we first consider the soul and spirit of the writer, the person speaking and to whom they are speaking. Also, it is very important to the know the text and context in which it is found, and to the connection it may have to other passages used basically in the same context.
There are three parts to the law: first and foremost, there is the moral Law, speaking of the Ten Commandments. Secondly, there is the ritual law found in the book of Leviticus. This tells us how the LORD is to be worshiped and how the priests were to approach God with sacrifices. Then there’s the civil law: giving guidelines on how to deal with one’s neighbors, how to settle disputes and so forth, all dispensed to Moses at Mt. Sinai.
At times, the law would reveal the whole will of God as communicated to us in His Word.
Psalms 1:2, “But his (man’s) delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his (God’s) law doth he (men) meditates day and night.”
Isaiah 42:21, “The LORD is well pleased for his righteousness’ sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honorable.”
Other times “law” may be taken for the Mosaic institution as distinguished from the gospel.
John 1:17, “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”
Matthew 11:13, “For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John (the Baptist).”
Here, we are told that John the Baptist opened the kingdom of heaven to sinners and thus became the high point of the Old Testament witnesses. John is the loop, the circle that coupled the Old with the New Testament.
Matthew 3:1-11, verse 2, “repent you: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying, the voice of one crying in the wilderness, prepare you the way of the LORD, make his paths straight. Verse 11, “I (John) indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he (Jesus) that comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:”
We may also conclude that the law of Moses was inclusive and expressive of the whole religion of the Jews; but, Paul’s gospel of grace would include both the Gentiles and the Jews.
Hebrews 9:19, “For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people.”
Hebrews 10:28, “He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:”
But the law was, Hebrews 10:1, “a shadow of good things to come.”
The Lord Jesus abolished the law by his death, and so in effect destroyed the ancient distinction between Jews and Gentiles.
Galatians 3:17, Paul is speaking, “And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God (the Father) in (unto) Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise (to Abraham) of none effect.”
The dispensation of “the promise” began with God’s call of Abraham from Ur into Canaan, and ended on the last night of Jacob’s journey into Canaan, the land of promise.
Galatians 3:17 translated is saying, the Abrahamic covenant promised justification by faith, so in the 430 years between the giving of this covenant to Abraham and the laws appearance to Moses, the LORD justified men by faith. Therefore, the Mosaic law in no way made God’s promise to Abraham of none effect. Following is that promise the LORD made to Abraham:
Genesis 12:1-3, “Now the LORD had said unto Abram, get you out of your country, and from your kindred, and from our father’s house, unto a land that I will show you: And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless you, and curse him that curses you: and in you shall all families of the earth be blessed.”
No strings attached! Now let’s compare with:
Hebrews 11:8, “By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out not knowing where he was going.”
Also, a belief in God as the Redeemer of man, and the hope of his manifestation in the person of the Christ, involved the belief that the Spiritual Power from heaven must be superior to any and all carnal obstructions (the law), and that there was created in every person born of a woman, a spiritual principle that would rule their life by communion with the Holy Spirit. God’s spiritual principle is built into every one of us, all we have to do is use it.
Galatians 4:4-5, “But in the fullness of the time was come, God (the Father) sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law.” Why was Jesus sent?
Verse 5, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.”
But the law also involved the idea of a hostile evil power from which man was to be redeemed, it (sin) also existing in every person.
1 John 1:10, “If we say that we have not sinned, we make him (God) a liar, and his (God’s) word in not in us.”
The giving of the law also marked and determined the transition of the Jews from the condition of a tribe to that of a nation, and that the nation of Israel’s can definitely claim to be in a distinct position and unique role in the history of the world.
Law, is frequently used to signify the 10 Commandments which were delivered to the Jews from Mount Sinai. It’s in this favorable reception that the Lord declared in,
Matthew 5:17, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill,” then he goes on to explain the importance of change as requiring perfect love to God and to man,
Luke 10:27, Jesus is speaking, “Thou shall love your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.”
And in reference to this view, Paul goes on to say in Romans 3:20, “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his (God’s) sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”
And the language of the law is this,
Galatians 3:10, “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, cursed is every one that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.”
And to deliver believers from this curse, Galatians 3:13, “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us:”
So, we may conclude that the law was not given in order to obtain righteousness or justification, but to convince men of their sin; to show to him the need of a Saviour, to convince him that there is no hope for salvation to be obtained from the law and to recommend the gospel of grace.
So, the law points to the rule of good and evil, and of right and wrong. It reveals the Creator and is marked on our consciences and consequently is secured to us by divine authority.
Grace is God’s free favor, and unmerited kindness. His grace stands in direct opposition to our works and to our worthiness, to the highest degree.
Romans 4:4-16, “Now to him that works is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.” Verse 16, “Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace.”
Ephesians 2:8, “For by grace are ye saved through faith: and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.”
2 Timothy 1:9, “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace.”
Grace in the strictest sense always knows beforehand the unworthiness of mankind. God’s grace is separated from our merits and values. It cannot be connected to the acts of men, or to his deeds; nor can they both work for the same end. Our importance, worth and works must step aside for God’s grace.
Romans 11:6, “If by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace in no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.”
God’s word represents His blessings. These blessing flow from His Divine grace. And in the case of a person who remains under law, and attempts to claim blessing, they cannot. Why?
Galatians 3:10, “as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, cursed is every one that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.”
Romans 3:19-23, “them who are under law: — every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.”
Grace defined is the favor of God manifested in the granting, doing and giving of spiritual and eternal blessing to the guilty and to those who would otherwise be unworthy: This through our Lord Jesus Christ. Grace will then proceed to be carried on to perfection in us.
Grace is not as a fringe of gold that borders a garment; nor like an embroidery of gold decorating a king’s robe. But what it is like, is the mercy-seat of the ancient tabernacle, which was made of pure gold.
The work of salvation and the giving of grace is once done, and will never be executed again. One sacrifice, one death, one resurrection, one baptism, one life. In these, God’s grace is everlasting and glorious. The motto, inscribed in time forever, on the hearts of His children is, “to the praise and glory of His grace.”
Saving grace must come from Sovereign power; this power having the highest authority, must supersede the rule of Satan, and counteract the destructive work of sin. If not, grace could not bring sinners to God. The Holy Spirit has compared man’s sin to a ruler, a king whose reign will terminate in his death.
Grace is majestic, it shines, it makes a noise like a trumpet, it provides, bestows, works in us, is necessary for eternal life, and will never end.
With the grace of God, sin is weakened. Satan loses his grip, the world looks less attractive, and we are less attracted to the things of this world. We are to keep our eyes on the heavenly things of God. To grow in grace, is to make progress in the understanding of our Creator, and in our lives. Growth in grace discovers itself with the increase of spiritual light, knowledge and understanding. In this, we become more dependent on Jesus Christ. Our testimony, our love for neighbor, our work for Christ, our humility, submissiveness and thankfulness will increase ten-thousand-fold.
Phillip LaSpino www.seekfirstwisdom.com