Does Grace Help You Obey the Law?

© 2018 by Tom Boynton (editing by Kathy Boynton)

“…for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” (Romans 6:14)

This incomplete quotation of the Apostle Paul’s wonderful statement in Scripture, has been abused to the detriment of God’s people.  Too often I’ve heard Christians declare themselves free to disregard God’s commands, especially if they originate in the Old Testament.  “After all,” they explain, “we’re no longer bound by law because Christ bore the law’s penalty for us.”

However, in the very next verse, Paul makes it clear that this conclusion is not valid.

“What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.  Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” (Romans 6:15‑16)

Christ, Himself, told His disciples,

“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. …”  (Matthew 5:17-20)

Later, in his letter to the Romans, Paul makes it clear that God expects us to obey the laws of those that rule us.  In this way, we demonstrate obedience to God.

“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.  Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.” (Romans 13:1‑2)

Most laws, such as speed limits, have the purpose of establishing order in society.  However, sometimes evil rulers command disobedience to what God has commanded.  The Apostles Peter and John experienced this.  The rulers had forbidden them to teach in the name of Jesus.  Peter and John rejected their command and continued preaching.  When the rulers reminded them of their command they replied,

“… We ought to obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29)

This exception, however, must be carefully applied.  Remember, the same Lord Jesus, whom I love, is the one who bore the penalty for my sins.  His suffering on the cross included the penalty for those future sins I’ve not yet committed.  I’m often ashamed that I’m still adding to His past suffering.

Do you know God’s Son, Jesus Christ, as your Savior?  Does our obedience to the law please Him?

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