We often encounter this argument “Well, since we are not under Law but under grace, we do not need to keep the Ten Commandments any longer” Is this a valid point? The Bible clearly does say that we are not under the law, but does that imply that we are free from the obligation to obey it? Notice (Romans 6:14-15) ” For sin shall not have dominion over you:for ye are not under the Law, but under grace, what then? shall we sin, because we are not under the Law but under grace?”God Forbid!” Easily we could prevent confusion if we would accept bible statements as they are. After stating that we are not under the Law, but grace, he asks, “What then?” which means “how are we to understand this?” Then notice his profound answer “Shall we sin(break the Law) because we are not under the Law but under grace? GOD FORBID.” In his strongest language he states that being under grace does not give us a license to break the Law. Yet this is EXACTLY what millions believe today, completely ignoring Paul’s specific warning and strong admonishment. It is particularly surprising because “Paul’s” writings are quoted so often as why the Law is no longer needed. Consider (Romans 3:31) “Do we then make void the Law through faith? God Forbid,on the contrary we establish the Law”” Here is a very clear passage. Paul asks if the Law is nullified for us just because we have faith in Christ’s saving grace. His answer is that the Law is established and reinforced in the life of a grace saved Christian. The truth of this reasoning is so obvious, but the false reasoning of those who wish to avoid obedinence is indeed sadly prevalent today among “professing Christians” .
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Godsloveandlaw's Blog 
December 8, 2009 at 4:37 am |
Dear brother,
You have to read from the beginning of Romans to understand what Paul was addressing and why and what he was addressing.
He writes about Righteousness that comes by faith in Christ alone. This must be establish first, or one will try and get it from the Law.
Paul pounds the Jews regarding their laws in chapter two. “For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,” as it is written. (vs24).
Then he gives the reason for the law, “for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” (3:20)
But then he hits the nail on the head. “But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed,”
So righteousness is no longer gained by obeying the law. It is only through faith in Christ.
Another reason for the law: “the law entered that the offence might abound.” But (oh yes) where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.”
(5:20)
I don’t want to take up any more time here but read chapter 7 and 8 also. Chapter 8 talks about the law of the Spirit. That’s the law I want to live under. Not the letter that brings death.
Bless you brother!
December 9, 2009 at 4:21 am |
My Brother,
I absolutely agree we must have “faith” first and foremost before any obeying of His holy moral Law takes place. As you correctly say, the Pharisees were excellent at “obeying” the Law yet lacked trued love for God and ofcourse faith in the true Messiah, our Lord Jesus. Again I understand your reasoning for explaining “But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed” Here Paul acknowledges that the “Law” needed something more.But to address your comment “So righteousness is no longer gained by obeying the Law. It is only through faith in Christ” I would say we would have to look at my prior blog scripture quote(Roman 6:15) Here Paul makes it clear now that we have received “grace” from our Lord’s sacrifice, does it give us the freedom to break the Law? “God forbid” Paul responds. And there is ONLY one place in all the bible that specifically addresses clearly “what” sin is (1 John 3:4) “Sin is transgression of the Law” no other scripture identifys “sin” so clearly as that verse in all of scripture. Now we must therefore ask, What Law? Is it to be the “mosiac laws” filled with the sacrifices, customs,restrictions, ceremonies, etc? I say defintiely NOT! Christ fulfilled all those laws. Now we must look to the “other” Law. The finger written and Lord spoken great “moral” law, the ten commandments. If we examine each individual commanmdment of those Laws, we find all of them morally responsible, loving, and benificial to society. So it is clear Paul is talking about “that” Law. So that “Law” does not bring us death but rather a life of obedience and joy because we have the “grace” and “faith” of our Lord and are living according to His holy Laws. We in essence “have it all” Love in Christ Rob
December 27, 2009 at 8:34 am |
Nice discussion guys…every Christian may be at a different place in his walk with the Lord, but as long as he or she continues to seek Christ, God will reveal more and more truth.
I wanted to interject one thought about something that Richard said:
“So righteousness is no longer gained by obeying the law. It is only through faith in Christ.”
In truth, righteousness was never gained by obeying the law, because no person ever could truly obey the law. Every child of God who ever lived, from Adam to Billy Graham, were and are saved by Christ’s righteousness being counted for us. Not because of our works, but because of our faith in the God.
Even before Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, Christians were saved by a faith in Him. Hence all the “types” of Christ in the Old Testament like the sacrificing of animals and the entire sanctuary system…all lessons that foreshadowed the day when Christ would die for us.
December 27, 2009 at 5:52 pm |
Todd, I agree NO ONE was ever justified by obeying the Law. Like you said it all forshadowed Christ. Faith is the real key, but that doesn’t mean we “throw away” His great commandment Law. We show we do indeed “love” Him when we obey ALL commadments (not just 9 of 10)