The Law Showed Us Sin, Jesus Fixed It: Understanding Grace in God’s Redemption Plan
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As I reflect on my journey of faith, I often marvel at the wisdom of God’s Word and the intricate plan He laid out for our salvation. The Bible is a seamless story of God’s love and justice, and nowhere is this more evident than in the purpose of the law and the fulfillment of that purpose in Jesus Christ. The law, given through Moses, was never intended to be the final answer to humanity’s problem with sin. Instead, it pointed to Jesus, the ultimate solution.
Let’s journey through Scripture to understand this profound truth.
The Law Defined Sin
In Romans 7:7, Paul writes, “What shall we say, then? Is the law sinful? Certainly not! Nevertheless, I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, ‘You shall not covet.’” The law was like a mirror, reflecting the holiness of God and exposing the sinfulness in us. It set a standard so high that no human being could perfectly meet it.
The law’s purpose was to make us aware of our need for a Savior. Galatians 3:24 says, “So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith.” The commandments showed us what righteousness looked like, but they also highlighted how far short we fall from it.
The Law Could Not Fix Our Problem
The law was good, holy, and just (Romans 7:12), but it lacked the power to cleanse us from sin. Hebrews 10:4 says, “It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.” The sacrifices required under the law were a temporary covering for sin, not a permanent solution. They were a shadow of what was to come (Colossians 2:17).
I remember struggling with guilt and shame over my failures, thinking that if I just tried harder, I could measure up. But the truth is, no amount of effort or obedience could erase the stain of sin from my heart. The law’s role was to lead me to this realization: I couldn’t save myself.
Jesus Fulfilled the Law
Enter Jesus. In Matthew 5:17, He declared, “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 lived the perfect, sinless life that we could not. He obeyed the law in every way and then willingly took on the punishment for our sins.
Isaiah 53:5 prophesied this truth: “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds, we are healed.” Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross satisfied the demands of the law and provided a way for us to be reconciled with God.
Grace Replaces Condemnation
Through Jesus, we are no longer under the law’s condemnation. Romans 8:1-2 proclaims, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.”
I’ve experienced this freedom personally. The weight of trying to earn God’s favor lifted when I understood that Jesus already paid the price. It’s not about what I do but about what He has done.
The Law Points Us to Jesus
The beauty of the law is that it points us to our need for Christ. When we read the Old Testament, we see glimpses of Jesus everywhere: the Passover lamb (Exodus 12:21-27), the scapegoat (Leviticus 16:10), the bronze serpent lifted in the wilderness (Numbers 21:9). Each of these was a foreshadowing of Jesus’ work on the cross.
Galatians 3:13 explains, “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.” Jesus took the curse of sin and death upon Himself so that we might receive the blessing of eternal life.
Living in Grace
Does this mean the law has no place in the life of a believer? Certainly not! The law shows us God’s character and guides us in living a life that honors Him. However, we obey not out of fear but out of love and gratitude. Jesus’ sacrifice transforms our hearts and empowers us to live in a way that pleases God (Ezekiel 36:26-27).
When I think about my walk with God, I’m reminded that grace is not a license to sin; it’s the power to overcome sin. Titus 2:11-12 says, “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age.”
Only Jesus Can Fix It
The law told us what sin was, but only Jesus could fix it. His death and resurrection bridge the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity. When we place our faith in Him, we are justified, forgiven, and set free.
If you’re like me and have struggled with feelings of inadequacy or the pressure to be “good enough,” I invite you to rest in the finished work of Jesus. The law served its purpose, but now we live under grace, empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in newness of life.
Let’s live each day with gratitude for what Jesus has done, allowing His love to transform us from the inside out.
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