The Old and The New: Discernment.

A message to Believers

“The law condemns the best of us, but Grace can save the worst of us.”

The phrase “The law condemns the best of us, but Grace can save the worst of us” encapsulates a profound theological truth. It highlights the limitations of the law in achieving righteousness and the transformative power of God’s grace. Below, I will expound on this phrase using biblical references from the NASB and expand on each scripture individually.

Romans 3:19-20: “Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God; because by the works of the Law none of mankind will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes knowledge of sin.”

This passage underscores the purpose of the law. To reveal sin and hold humanity accountable. The law is not a means to achieve righteousness but a mirror that exposes our shortcomings. Even the most righteous among us cannot fulfill the law’s demands perfectly, leading to condemnation. It sets the stage for the necessity of grace, as no one can be justified by their own efforts.

Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Here, Paul emphasizes that salvation is a gift from God, not something earned through adherence to the law or good works. Grace is unmerited favor, extended to all, regardless of their past. This scripture highlights the transformative power of grace, which can redeem even the worst of sinners.

Romans 5:20-21: “The Law came in so that the offense would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, so also grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

This passage reveals the paradoxical relationship between the law and grace. While the law magnifies sin, grace surpasses it, offering redemption and eternal life. It illustrates the boundless nature of God’s grace, which is sufficient to cover even the gravest sins.

Galatians 3:10-11: “For all who are of works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all the things written in the book of the Law, to do them.’ Now, that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, ‘the righteous one will live by faith.'”

This scripture highlights the impossibility of achieving righteousness through the law. It points to faith as the means of justification, aligning with the concept that grace, not the law, is the pathway to salvation.

Titus 3:5-7: “He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we did in righteousness, but in accordance with His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He richly poured out upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”

This passage encapsulates the essence of grace. Salvation is not based on human deeds but on God’s mercy and the renewing work of the Holy Spirit. It affirms that grace justifies and transforms, granting believers the hope of eternal life.

Each of these scriptures collectively paints a picture of the law’s role in revealing sin and the unparalleled power of grace in offering redemption. The law, while holy and just, cannot save; it condemns even the best of us. Grace, however, is the divine gift that saves the worst of us, demonstrating God’s boundless love and mercy.

The Law was only given to the 12 tribes of Israel, not to the Gentiles or the rest of the world:

Romans 9:4-5 (NASB): “Who are Israelites, to whom belongs the adoption as sons and the glory, the covenants, the giving of the Law, the temple service, and the promises; whose are the fathers, and from whom is the Christ according to the flesh, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.”

This passage clearly states that the Law was given to Israel, emphasizing their unique covenant relationship with God. The Gentiles were not under the Mosaic Law, as it was specifically designed for the nation of Israel to set them apart as God’s chosen people.

Deuteronomy 4:7-8 (NASB): “For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as is the Lord our God whenever we call on Him? Or what great nation is there that has statutes and judgments as righteous as this whole Law which I am setting before you today?”

Moses highlights the exclusivity of the Law to Israel, showcasing its purpose to distinguish them from other nations. The Gentiles were not bound by these statutes, as they were not part of the covenant community.

Living under the Law means being held accountable to it:

Galatians 3:10 (NASB): “For all who are of works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all the things written in the book of the Law, to do them.'”

This verse underscores the impossibility of perfectly adhering to the Law. Those who choose to live under the Law are bound to its entirety, and failure to uphold even one aspect results in condemnation. The Law demands perfection, and its purpose was to reveal humanity’s need for grace.

Romans 7:5-6 (NASB): “For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were brought to light by the Law, were at work in the parts of our body to bear fruit for death. But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter.”

Paul explains that living under the Law leads to spiritual death because it exposes sin without providing the power to overcome it. Believers are called to live under grace, which brings life and freedom through the Spirit.

The dangers of using the Law to call out another’s sin when neither party is under the Law:

Romans 6:14-15 (NASB): “For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under the Law but under grace. What then? Are we to sin because we are not under the Law but under grace? Far from it!”

This passage warns against misusing the Law to judge others. As believers under grace, we are called to extend mercy and avoid legalistic
condemnation. Using the Law to call out sin can lead to hypocrisy, as none of us are justified by the Law.

Matthew 7:1-2 (NASB): “Do not judge, so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.”

Jesus cautions against judgmental attitudes, reminding us that we are all sinners in need of grace. Using the Law to condemn others while ignoring our own shortcomings contradicts the message of the gospel.

These insights highlight the exclusivity of the Law to Israel, the accountability it demands, and the dangers of misusing it in a graceless manner.