A THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
by Given O. Blakely
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PERSPECTIVES WHEN READING GOD'S WORD #7
Law and Grace
     The two covenants speak of law and grace. Law is imposed, grace is received. Law uncovers sin,
grace provides forgiveness. Law is weak through the flesh, grace is strong through the Lord Jesus Christ. 
How often law and grace are compared. "For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were
realized through Jesus Christ" (John 1:17). As notable as Moses was, he could not bring the people into
the promised land. He could not change the hearts of the people, or empower them to live consistently.
However, praise God, Jesus can accomplish these things because He brings "grace and truth" to us!  
     "For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law, but under grace. What then?
Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? May it never be!" (Rom 6:14-15). Sin
dominated under the first covenant, having dominion over the people. However the new covenant brings
a spiritual environment in which sin cannot dominate. The superiority of grace accounts for this glorious
liberty. Law was ineffective in resolving the human dilemma, grace is effective! That is a view of the
nature of the two covenants. One brings the blessing of God, while the other brought His curse.
     "You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have
fallen from grace" (Gal 5:4). Not only do the covenants have differing qualities, they are antithetical to
one another. You cannot seek to live under the principle of law without forfeiting the grace of God. O,
that professed believers perceived this more clearly. Those attempting to please God and be holy through
a system of regimentation only thrust themselves from His presence. God has provided a better way to
approach Him, and He will deny anyone that takes another way. Either you come to Him through the
"grace of our Lord Jesus Christ," or you will not come. So pivotal is this truth that Paul affirms the
individual seeking to gain God's approval by law has already "fallen from grace," having been "severed
from Christ." The gravity of those statements ought to challenge the thinking of every one claiming
identity with Christ Jesus! They highlight the difference in the two covenants!
(More on this subject tomorrow)
In joyful expectation of glory,
Given O. Blakely