Biblical Topics A to Z
Law and Grace
How Paul works out the relationship between the Mosaic law and the grace of the new covenant in Galatians and Romans, and what this means for believers today.
At a Glance
Paul teaches that the law reveals sin and points to Christ, while grace, received through faith, justifies and empowers a new obedience the law itself could never produce.
Overview
Galatians and Romans work out in detail how the Mosaic law and the grace of the new covenant relate: the law reveals sin and points forward to Christ as a 'schoolmaster,' while grace, received by faith, both justifies believers and produces a new, Spirit-empowered obedience the law's demands alone never could.
Learning Objectives
- •Explain what Galatians 3:19-25 teaches about the law's purpose as a 'schoolmaster' pointing to Christ.
- •Describe the distinction Romans 6:14 draws between being 'under the law' and being 'under grace.'
- •Identify why Paul insists grace does not lead to lawlessness, per Romans 6:1-2.
For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
Romans 6:14
Read It in Context
This study quotes Romans 6:14, but no verse stands alone. Open a Bible and read the whole surrounding chapter to see the full argument the passage sits within, then look up the other references cited throughout this study — Galatians 3:24 and beyond — in their own context. Scripture is the final authority here, not this summary.
Historical & Literary Context
Galatians was written to churches being pressured by teachers insisting Gentile believers must keep the Mosaic law, particularly circumcision, to be truly justified, prompting Paul's sustained argument that justification has always been by faith, even for Abraham, before the law was given (Galatians 3:6-9). Romans 6 responds to an objection Paul anticipates, that grace might be twisted into an excuse for continued sin, answering that union with Christ's death and resurrection makes such an idea unthinkable.
The Law as Schoolmaster
Galatians 3:24-25 describes the law as a 'schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith,' picturing its role as temporary and preparatory, revealing sin and guarding Israel until the fulfillment of the promise came in Christ.
Under Grace, Not Under Law
Romans 6:14 declares believers are 'not under the law, but under grace,' locating the believer's standing before God not in law-keeping but in the finished work of Christ received by faith, a fundamentally different basis for relationship with God.
Grace Produces Obedience, Not License
Romans 6:1-2 immediately rejects the idea that grace excuses continued sin, 'shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid,' showing that grace, rightly understood, produces a deeper obedience through union with Christ than the law's external demands ever could.
Christ-Centered Focus
Galatians 3:24's picture of the law leading to Christ shows that law and grace are not ultimately opposed but that the law itself was always designed to point beyond itself to the Savior in whom both righteousness and true obedience are found.
Practical Application
This week, examine whether you relate to God more on the basis of law-keeping performance or grace received by faith, and apply Romans 6:11's command to 'reckon' yourself dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Prayer
Father, thank You that I am not under law but under grace through Christ. Help me never use grace as an excuse for sin, but let it produce in me a deeper, Spirit-empowered obedience out of love for You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Scripture Memory
"Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith."
Galatians 3:24
Reflection Questions
- 1How does Galatians 3:24's image of the law as a 'schoolmaster' change how you see the purpose of the Mosaic law?
- 2What is the practical difference between being 'under the law' and being 'under grace,' per Romans 6:14?
- 3Why does Paul react so strongly against the idea that grace excuses continued sin in Romans 6:1-2?
- 4Where might you be relating to God more through performance than through grace received by faith?