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In the relationship of law and grace, does Scripture teach that grace overrides the law? Many Christians believe the Old Testament is out of date and has been overridden by the New Testament. However, the individuals in the Old Testament who were saved, were also saved by grace – just like us. Romans [chapter 4 gives OT examples] and Galatians deal with this.

The law was never done away with, but fulfilled in our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 7:12 So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good. Matthew 5:17-18 Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. ¹⁸I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.

We do not keep the law in order to try to be saved. This is impossible. We keep the law because we love Him – because He has saved us by grace. John 14:15 If you love me, you will obey what I command. John 14:23 ²³Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. John 15:10 If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love.

When we are saved, we are totally free in Him, but this does not mean we can go wild and do whatever we want. 1 Cor 6:12 Everything is permissible for me – but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me – but I will not be mastered by anything.

Because we keep the law – obey the law – from the motivation of love, and not because we have to: the law is not burdensome. 1 John 5:3 This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.

Delight yourself in the law – it is sweeter than honey, and live by grace – for by grace you have been saved.

J

Pastor David