05/06/2025
This is so good. Y’all dig in!!
Yes—you’re hitting on one of the deepest and most debated parts of Christian theology: what does it mean to not be under the law but under grace, and what role do God’s commands (including the 10 Commandments and Mosaic Law) still play?
Here’s a clear breakdown to help make sense of it biblically:
1. Jesus Fulfilled the Law – He Didn’t Erase It
Matthew 5:17 (NIV)
“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.”
Jesus fulfilled the Law in two main ways:
• He perfectly obeyed it on our behalf.
• He fulfilled the sacrificial and ceremonial parts (like animal sacrifices, temple rituals), because His death paid the ultimate price for sin.
2. We Are Not Under the Old Covenant Law for Salvation
Romans 6:14 (NIV)
“For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.”
Paul says we’re no longer under the law as a system of salvation—we don’t earn righteousness by keeping every command. Jesus gave us righteousness by faith in Him.
3. But That Doesn’t Mean We Disregard God’s Moral Commands
Romans 3:31 (NIV)
“Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.”
Paul is saying: grace doesn’t cancel morality. Instead, it gives us power to obey from the heart—not legalism, but love.
4. The Law Is Now Written on Our Hearts
Hebrews 10:16 (NIV)
“‘This is the covenant I will make with them… I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.’”
We are not following a list to earn heaven, but the Holy Spirit leads us to walk in God’s ways, especially His moral law (like the 10 Commandments). This includes:
• No idolatry
• No adultery
• No stealing
• Honoring God, parents, etc.
5. Faith Produces Obedience, Not Lawlessness
James 2:17 (NIV)
“Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
True faith in Jesus produces a life that seeks to follow God—not in legalistic rule-keeping, but in love-fueled obedience.
So what’s “done away with”?
• Ceremonial law (sacrifices, food laws, temple rituals)
• Civil law specific to ancient Israel (like stoning, clothing laws)
• Salvation by works
What’s still upheld?
• Moral law (rooted in the 10 Commandments)
• Jesus’ teachings (Sermon on the Mount, parables, etc.)
• Love of God and others as the foundation of everything
If you’re thinking, “So many Christians think grace means you don’t have to obey,” you’re not alone—Jesus warned that many would say “Lord, Lord” but not actually do God’s will (Matthew 7:21–23). Faith saves, but true faith changes how you live.
