The Law and Grace: Why the Church Is Still Bound to Keep the Decalogue

The Law and Grace: Why the Church Is Still Bound to Keep the Decalogue

As we begin this 10-day exposition on the Ten Commandments, it’s essential to first lay a solid foundation for understanding the relationship between the law and grace. Many misconceptions arise when we fail to distinguish the different types of Old Testament laws and their fulfillment in Christ — and when we misunderstand how grace and law relate to salvation.

On one extreme, legalism insists that keeping the law contributes to or secures salvation. On the other, antinomianism claims that because we are under grace, the law no longer matters. Both distort the gospel and contradict Scripture (Galatians 3:1–3; Romans 6:1–2). The Bible clearly teaches that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone — yet this same grace teaches us to live righteously (Titus 2:11–12).

Misunderstanding the Old Testament laws often contributes to a misrepresentation of the gospel. Scripture reveals three distinct types of laws:

  • Moral Law (The Decalogue): These reflect God’s eternal character and remain binding on all people in all ages (Exodus 20).
  • Ceremonial Law: These symbolic laws pointed forward to the coming of Christ and were fulfilled in His atoning death (Leviticus; Colossians 2:16–17).
  • Judicial/Civil Law: These laws governed Israel as a theocratic nation and were specific to their covenant relationship with God (Deuteronomy). The church, being a spiritual body drawn from all nations, is now governed by the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2).

None of these laws could ever earn anyone salvation. The Bible is clear: no one is justified by keeping the law. The law exposes our sin, reveals our need for a Savior, and leads us to Christ — but it cannot save us (Romans 3:20; Galatians 2:16; 3:24). Salvation comes only by grace through faith in Christ’s finished work on the cross; it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8–9).

Though we are not saved by the law, it still serves a vital role in the Christian life. The moral law reflects God’s holiness and teaches us how to live in a way that pleases Him. James reminds us that faith without works is dead — not because works save, but because true faith produces obedience (James 2:17). Some claim that James contradicts Paul, but Paul also affirms this balance: grace does not nullify the moral law; it establishes it (Romans 3:31). Obedience becomes the fruit of salvation, not its root (Romans 4:5).

As believers, we are justified by grace through faith. Yet the moral law remains vital for our sanctification. It shapes our obedience and gratitude to God. The Spirit empowers us to keep the law — not to earn salvation, but to reflect the holiness of the God who saved us. For Christ has freed us from the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13), but not from the call to holiness (1 Peter 1:15–16).

Let us stand firm on grace, while upholding the beauty and necessity of God’s moral law in shaping lives that glorify Him.

~KENNETH


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