Bible Basics

Grace or Law

Since Paul said he was not “without law to God, but under law to Christ” (1 Cor. 9:21), what did he mean when he wrote, “For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace” (Rom. 6:14)? We must remember that Paul’s letter to the Romans was written to overcome the influence of Judaizing teachers upon Christians who were trying to justify themselves by a system of works according to the Law of Moses. Paul argues against justification on the basis of law. Why? “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). It is for this reason that Christ died. While God’s law does declare the divine standard by which we should live, and in so doing, identifies our sin, law has no remedy for that sin after it has been committed. Therefore, the Law of Moses could not save and Jew and Gentile alike need a Savior. So Paul sets forth the theme of the letter, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek” (Rom. 1:16, 17). Having sinned, man must have grace, the merciful forgiveness that is expressed in Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on our behalf. If anyone shall be saved it shall be by means of God’s grace, and this grace is available to all who fully trust in Jesus Christ!

                                                                                                               -- Clark Dugger

Bible Basics