As we’ve learned thus far, the law helps us to understand our need for a Saviour. The bible is very clear in letting the readers know that we are not saved by works, but by grace. I guess God foresaw people trying to find a loophole for serving Him and going to heaven. He exposed that “loophole” in Ephesians 2:8 when we’re told that it is by grace that we have been saved, through faith. It goes even further to say that it is a “gift of God.” Therefore, just merely keeping the law does not guarantee our salvation. This lesson will talk about the relationships between the Law and the Gospel.

How do the following texts help us to understand the role that the law plays in the lives of those who are saved by grace?

Romans 3:19, 20
This tells us that the law helps us to identify sin and become conscientious of it. It brings sin to our awareness. Also, it shows that God’s judgement is fair. He gives us all a “baseline” of information (in this case the law) that we all will be held accountable for. No one can get by thinking they could just do what “seems right” to them because God has given us clear guidelines to follow.

Psalms 119:5,6
In following the law we are blessed. When we don’t follow the law, we are bringing shame upon ourselves. It is a foolish thing to not follow the law.

Romans 7:7
The law (10 Commandments) helps us to identify sin and understand what is expected of us. This verse explains that the law’s purpose is to help us recognize what is sin.

These verses make it clear that the “law was not designed to be a means of salvation.” The bible also tells a story about a rich young ruler who claimed that he followed the law, and yet he is not saved (Matthew 19:16-22). He lacked faith and trust in God and cherished his riches over God.

Look around at what violation of God’s law has done to humanity. How has your own life been impacted by the violation of God’s law? What does your answer tell you about just how relevant the law remains?

Violation of God’s law has brought sickness, depression, and distress in our lives. The courts and prisons are filled with examples of violations of God’s law. Morality has decreased even so that people are being killed for minimal reasons. My life was dramatically impacted by the violation of God’s law when my uncle, whom I loved dearly, was shot and killed by some people who plotted against him. There are those who think that God’s law were nailed to the cross, but how can that be so? Even the judges and courts agree that it is unlawful to kill, steal, and commit adultery. These laws are still very much in effect today and we are expected to follow them until Christ returns.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the law in Exodus 20: 1-13. We know that it is for our own good and that in following them we can live a happy and safe life. Please give us the faith, strength, and courage to fully keep Your law. Show us our need of salvation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.