Almost all of us have dealt with the issue of law and grace in the past (and many of us were challenged with it again about eight years ago). But it can be helpful to have a refresher from time to time. Prepare now, for you almost surely will be asked about this important subject.

How Sin Fits In

God's law provides for the good life and identifies sin, while grace provides for the forgiveness of sin and assistance to obey the law and reap the benefits.

Understanding and identifying sin, then, becomes central in understanding the law and grace relationship. Biblically, we find no definition of sin without law.

"For by the law is the knowledge of sin" (Romans 3:20). It is the law, then, that identifies sin: "Sin is the transgression of the law" (1 John 3:4, KJV). Does this mean that under grace there is no more sin—no more law? But, since grace involves forgiveness of sin—"through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved" (Acts 15:11)—how would this be possible? And how do we deal with Paul's statement in Romans 3:31, "Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law"?

As we search the Scriptures together, we should find a clear answer from the Word, Jesus Christ, who made grace possible. He also gave the law—the guidelines for a wholesome way of life, the opposite of sin. So what does this statement mean: "He will magnify the law and make it honorable" (Isaiah 42:21, KJV) or "The Lord was pleased for His righteousness' sake to make the law great and glorious" (same verse, NASV)?

End Result—a Big Difference

Let's begin by looking at the end result of not obeying God's law, without grace included. Then we will look at grace and the end result of breaking the law if one is under grace. There is a difference—a big difference!

For an example, let's use the law of the Sabbath:

The Sabbath law says, "Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy" (Exodus 20:8; compare Hebrews 4:4, 9-10). Not observing the Sabbath led to death by stoning (Numbers 15:32-36).

However, under grace it is different. Those who do not observe the Sabbath can repent (be truly sorry from the heart and show it by their actions). Upon repentance, God forgives and the death penalty is removed, having been paid by Jesus Christ.

If, however, someone begins to "obey" physically just to save his skin—an outward pretense of repentance only, not with a repentant heart, not truly sorry—this one is actually choosing the penalty of death, removing himself from grace. Obeying now cannot wipe out past sins—only after real repentance will Christ's blood cover those sins and remove their penalty.

On the other hand, one who chooses to repent of sinning and begins to keep the law (in this example, the Sabbath), chooses and receives grace—not death. This, then, is "the law of grace," to repent, receive forgiveness and to immediately start obeying the law one has disobeyed. This means to return to a life of obedience to God's royal law.

However, if, after returning to a life of obedience, one again chooses to break the law (to sin) as a way of life—that one is choosing death—eternal death. That is because he has already been under grace and now rejects it through unrepentant disobedience and a decision to not change (to not stop sinning).

In Romans 6:1 the apostle Paul asked the question, "Shall we continue in sin [disobeying God's law—keeping on sinning] that grace may abound [an attitude that more sinning will summon more grace]?" God, through Paul, gives a quick and decisive answer, "Certainly not!" (verse 2).

The Bible here is emphatic about the need to quit sinning—to repent—to stop disobeying God's law and immediately begin obeying it—through grace. Again, grace includes God's forgiveness and faith-filled help to obey.

Jesus paid for all sin! In short, He purchased sin. He bought sin with His life. He therefore owns sin's penalty—death. So He has the right to forgive sin and its penalty. Thus He also has the right, the authority, to set the conditions for forgiveness and the removal of the penalty. This He has done, according to His Father's will, through grace!

Choose Life

Jesus, the Word, summed it up profoundly in the last part of Deuteronomy 30:19: "I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live."

All sin, unrepented of, results in death. Grace is undeserved pardon of the sin of which one has repented. But there is no forgiveness if one chooses not to repent. In this way Jesus' condition for forgiveness provides each individual with the choice of eternal life or eternal death.

Grace is available, and as a free gift, but one must choose to receive grace and continue in it. God's love is unconditional: "For God so loved the world [humanity] that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).

God's love is unconditional; His grace demonstrates His merciful love. The unspeakable opportunity God provides comes through belief in Him and His salvation. Sincere belief in God includes obedience—for even the demons believe, but do not obey (James 2:19).

If someone says that it is impossible to obey and please God, that person makes Jesus and the Father out to be liars, for it is written, "With God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26; Luke 18:27).

Those Who Have Never Received Grace

Those who have never heard of, received or lived under grace will die in their sins, dying what the Scriptures indicate is the first death. However, according to God's grace, those who die in this condition, if they have not known and completely rejected grace, will be resurrected to another physical life to be given their first real opportunity to understand, receive and live under salvation grace (Revelation 20:5; Ezekiel 37). And then, if they do choose the way of grace, they can receive true life—eternal life in the family and Kingdom of God.

However, during their second physical life, if they do not choose the way of grace and live it from the heart, they will again die in their sins. This is the second death from which there is no return. Any future life is forfeited by individual choice—no eternal life—no life at all! "The dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten. Also their love, their hatred, and their envy have now perished; nevermore will they have a share in anything done under the sun" (Ecclesiastes 9:5-6).

We have looked at the law of the Sabbath as an example of how God's law provides for the good life, while disobedience to His law is sin; and how God's grace provides for the cancellation of sin and for obedience to the law. This reality is applicable to all of God's precious laws.

Life Giving—Not Burdensome

"God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him" (1 John 4:16). "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome," though many are deceived into believing the lie that they are grievous and burdensome (1 John 5:3). In reality, the fruits of obeying them from the heart produce love, joy, peace, kindness, gentleness, patience and faith—against such there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23). Surely to have, live and enjoy such a life is an inner desire of all of us.

The Word of God speaks plainly. The truth of salvation deals with law and grace, not law or grace! Saving grace includes obedience to God's holy and righteous laws, without which we cannot even come to know God. For "He who says, 'I know Him,' and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected [made mature] in him . . . Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments" (1 John 2:4-5, 3). It is God's Word, and as such, it is uncontestable!

Law and grace—together it is an incredible marriage that demonstrates the love and mind of God, fully available to all who have ears to hear and a heart to heed.