The issue that is most hotly contested is the place of grace, works, and law in a Christian's life. Keeping God's law has not even one time, since mankind was created, ever justified a single person before God. The function of God's law is to define righteousness, to define sin, and to guide us along a path of life. Law's function is to set standards of conduct and to educate one upon a line of conduct that will please God, but it will not justify one. In the biblical sense, justification means to clear of guilt, and it is the blood of Jesus Christ that aligns us with the standard of God's law. Obedience to God's laws cannot justify us, but everyone who is saved will be a keeper of God's laws, because God details in the law the path that He wants us to use to be prepared for His Kingdom. It is the breaking of God's laws that has gotten everybody in trouble with God, and has required Christ's death to pay the penalty. It is obedience to God's laws following forgiveness that glorifies God and provides Him with the evidence that we have learned our lessons well, and that we are striving with all of our being to keep ourselves free from falling into the same trap once again.

The issue in Galatians is not merely a belief in the God of the Jews or acceptance of a few Jewish beliefs, but rather the acceptance and adherence to the entire system of the Pharisaic/Sadducean lifestyle, combined with demon-driven Gnosticism. This system, known as halakha, was the Jewish way of life that Paul called the traditions of his fathers. It was this halakha, not God's law, that was in question in the book of Galatians. The Jews in Galatia defined their relationship with God through the law, but their understanding of law was not the same as that of a true God-fearing Christian. To them, law meant halakha, which they believed was the law of Moses. They thought that possessing the law and the quality of their halakha law-keeping was what motivated God to choose them, thus circumventing God's sovereignty over His creation. Paul saw that this belief also circumvented the true way of justification, as the Jews believed justification was something God owed them because they earned it through their law-keeping. This perspective nullified the Father's grace and Christ's sacrifice, suggesting that Christ died in vain. Paul recognized this as a vanity trip, made in ignorance, but completely wrong, as it implied that God was indebted to them for their law-keeping. In contrast, Paul emphasized that justification is an act of God by which He declares a person acceptable before Him because Christ has borne the sinner's sin. This act of justification is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of the law alone. Paul clarified that while works without faith in Jesus Christ are of no avail, works coupled with faith in Jesus Christ are essential. Faith without works is dead, and living faith and works go together in terms of justification or sanctification, as long as Christ is part of the equation. Paul's argument in Galatians is not against God's law but against the laws men added, thinking they were doing God service. He stressed that God expects someone who has faith in Christ to keep His law, as works are evidence of one's faith.

In the discussion of Galatians, a clear distinction emerges between bondage and liberty, particularly in relation to the elements of the world and the law of God. Bondage, as described in Galatians 4:3, conveys a sense of suppression and captivity, something difficult to bear, holding individuals from true freedom. This bondage is tied to the elements of the world, not to the law of God, which is instead portrayed as a law of liberty. Keeping God's commandments is not seen as grievous or burdensome; rather, it is freeing and liberating, rooted in love that supports and never burdens. The contrast between bondage and liberty is evident when considering that the days, months, times, and years mentioned in Galatians 4:10 do not pertain to the law of God, but to practices apart from it. The law of God is not denigrated in Galatians; it is not associated with the weak and beggarly elements that tend toward bondage. Instead, it stands as a source of freedom, intended to lead individuals to Christ. This liberty in Christ is not about escaping a physical place, but about being rescued from the power of evil and the values of this world, enabling one to live God's way right where they are. Furthermore, the notion of justification and salvation in Galatians emphasizes faith in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ over works of law. The central issue in Galatians 1:4 is that deliverance comes through Christ, according to the will of God, not through human efforts or works. While works are not unimportant, as they give evidence of faith and contribute to godly character, they do not save. Salvation is overwhelmingly a work of God, who shows mercy, calls individuals, and provides Christ's sacrifice as the means of justification. This deliverance is a rescue from the power of sin, granting the freedom to do right through a transformation of nature, from human to divine, by the Spirit of God.

The relationship between law and grace is not one of opposition but of harmony, as they are layered upon one another in a continuing revelation. Grace clarifies the proper position of law, building upon what was previously revealed. All biblical law, including ceremonies and rituals, originates from God, though delivered through Moses. The term "law of Moses" often refers to a body of laws considered less central than the Ten Commandments, yet they are equally part of God's law. This law is not neatly contained but scattered throughout the entire Bible, written with the New Covenant church in mind, not just for ancient Israelites. Under the New Covenant, certain ceremonial aspects, such as sacrifices and washings, are set aside, as they were imposed only until the time of reformation. These temporary requirements, like meat and drink offerings, were penalties for transgression, meant to last for a specific period. The sacrifice of Jesus Christ, superior and eternal, replaces the old sacrificial system, which foreshadowed His offering and reminded of sin but did not define it. His sacrifice, effective once for all, purifies through His blood, rendering the old ceremonies unnecessary to physically perform, though their spiritual intent remains. Grace does not abolish the law but magnifies its spiritual application. The civil laws within the law of Moses still hold jurisdiction over our lives in their spirit, as Jesus Christ affirmed that not one jot or tittle would pass from the law until all is fulfilled. The New Covenant involves a change in administration, not the elimination of laws. Laws are now written in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, which teaches and brings to remembrance, replacing the old ceremonial reminders of sin. The ministry under the New Covenant focuses on ministering life through teaching God's Word, unlike the Old Covenant's civil administration, which enforced punishments but could not provide life without the vitalizing Spirit. The law's application has broadened from specific, carnal instructions under the Old Covenant to its spiritual intent under the New Covenant. This shift moves from letter to spirit, guiding conduct and character through the transformative power of God's Word and Spirit, which cleanse and purify. While ceremonial laws are set aside, the underlying principles of God's law remain binding, applicable to all, whether Israelite or Gentile, as there is one law for both. Thus, law and grace work together, with grace enhancing our understanding and application of God's enduring standards.

The relationship between law and grace reveals a profound balance in the journey of faith. Justification is a judicial act by our Father in heaven, graciously given based on the sacrifice of Christ and our faith in Him. However, this grace and Christ's sacrifice do not nullify works. Faith and works are not mutually exclusive; if faith is truly part of a person's character, it will reveal itself through conduct, and works will show who and what a person has faith in. Works hold value when joined with faith in Jesus Christ, demonstrating positive worth in the life of a believer. Law keeping, as an expression of love towards God and man, remains both a duty and a reflection of devotion. If the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by His Holy Spirit, it expresses itself in a willing submission to His laws and as concern for our fellow man. The keeping of God's commandments produces evidence of who we believe in, though works alone, including adherence to the Ten Commandments, cannot justify or save us due to past sins. No amount of law keeping can undo what has been done; it requires something of immense worth and purity, given in our stead, for God to declare us righteous. Justification by grace through faith does not grant license to break God's law. The law plays a significant role in salvation by revealing sin, prompting repentance, and guiding the path of righteousness. Though it cannot give life on its own, it sets the standard for living and shows the way to righteousness. Christ has not freed us from the death penalty to turn us into lawbreakers; if we return to a sinful way of life after repentance and forgiveness through His sacrifice, we make ourselves transgressors, not Him. Righteousness comes in two forms: the imputed righteousness of Christ, which makes us acceptable before God as a judicial act, and the real righteousness that must become ingrained in our character through living out God's law. This transformation is empowered by the Holy Spirit, changing how we live, think, and act, aligning us with God's image. Without striving to keep the law as part of our nature, we will not fully reflect His righteousness. Christ's death for us does not mean He lives for us; we must actively strive, with His Spirit, to live His way of life. God declares us righteous based on Christ's sacrifice, instructs us through His Word, and empowers us through His Spirit to experience and grow in His way, preparing us for His Kingdom. We live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved us and gave Himself for us, and it is our responsibility to strive with all our being to avoid bringing the death penalty upon ourselves again, pursuing the righteousness that comes through keeping God's law with the Spirit's power.

The relationship between law and grace is central to understanding both the Old and New Testaments. Salvation is by grace through faith, as we have broken the law and face its death penalty. Justification, which is necessary for salvation, comes through God's grace via Christ's sacrifice and our faith in that sacrifice. However, this does not diminish the importance of the law; rather, it clarifies its purpose. The law serves as a guide for good works, which we were created to do. Obedience to the law produces a witness to God's sovereignty, proves loyalty to His government, assists in developing godly character, and provides a foundation for a stable community. The law is described as a path, a way, or a course, indicating its role in guiding our lives. Despite salvation being by grace, it is possible to fall short of God's grace by not following the law's path. The law defines sin, and all wrongdoing is sin. The Bible categorizes sin, showing that some sins are more serious than others, with the most severe being blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. God expects us to strive for perfection, understanding that we will not achieve it but desiring our honest effort. The attitude and motive behind our actions are crucial, as persistent willful sin can lead to rejection. Thus, while grace is essential for salvation, the law remains a vital guide for living a life that aligns with God's will.

Justification by grace through faith is a central theme in understanding our relationship with God. Grace, at its simplest, means a gift—something freely given and unearned. When one meets the conditions of repentance and faith, God freely offers forgiveness for the purpose of justification, aligning us with His standard. This does not eliminate the law; rather, it brings us into agreement with it. The notion that grace through faith nullifies the law is misguided. If taken to an extreme, it would imply there is no sin, rendering Christ's sacrifice meaningless. Yet, sin still exists, as we must repent of it to be forgiven, and the law, including the Ten Commandments, remains in effect as the standard by which sin is defined. Under the New Covenant, the administration of God's law differs from the Old Covenant, but the law itself is not abolished. Adultery, lust, and the breaking of any commandment are still sins. The church, lacking civil authority to enforce penalties like death, operates under a different framework, yet the wages of sin remain death, merely delayed. Jesus Christ, as Immanuel and Head of the church, exemplified this in His judgment of the woman caught in adultery. He did not condemn her, implying forgiveness, but instructed her to sin no more, affirming that His grace did not nullify the law. God's law serves to guide and limit our choices for our benefit, much like a parent instructs a child. He commands obedience but grants free moral agency, allowing us to choose life or death, blessing or curse. This principle is consistent across both covenants; God does not force compliance but urges us to follow His way. Justification, as a gift of grace through faith in Christ's blood, secures access to God's presence, a privilege unattainable through works or sacrifices alone. It does not equate to salvation, which remains future, but is a necessary step toward it, obligating us to choose life and avoid sin. Faith, grace, and justification are interconnected, establishing the law rather than abolishing it. When justified, we are not freed to disregard the standard; instead, the law becomes more vital as a guide to maintain alignment with God's will. Justification imputes Christ's righteousness to us, provides access to God, and opens the way to receive further grace to work out our salvation with His help. In no way does it do away with the law; it confirms its enduring importance in our walk with Him.

Law and grace are integral to understanding God's purpose for humanity. Law cannot be separated from God's purpose, for it reflects the way He lives as a holy, law-abiding God. The creation itself testifies to His orderly and organized Mind, operating by law as a reflection of His nature. His law outlines the path to living as He does, and faith is essential in recognizing and following this evidence of His way, even though we cannot see Him with our eyes. Blessed are those who are undefiled, who live in purity and holiness, following the specific way described by His law. This law, declared by the apostle Paul as holy, just, and good, serves as the direction for cooperating with God in creating His holy character within us through our free choices. To suggest that God has discarded His law or parts of it is misguided, for it would leave us without guidance, lost on our path to becoming like Him. His law is not a burden but a set of loving directions from a caring Father, showing us how to live as His children. Salvation is by grace through faith, not merely in God's existence, but in His way of life. This faith must manifest in how we live, aligning with His law to assist in forming His image in us. If we do not live as He does, we will not fit in the Kingdom of God, for everyone there will be holy, living according to the same way of life. Refusing to follow His law as humans demonstrates a lack of desire to be part of His family. Thus, law and grace work together, guiding us through faith toward the fulfillment of His purpose to reproduce Himself in us.

Under the New Covenant, the relationship between law and grace is profoundly different from that of the Old Covenant. The Old Covenant, oriented heavily towards the physical, required minimal conditions for entry, such as birth and circumcision for males, and its promises were largely tied to physical blessings like wealth and health upon obedience. In stark contrast, the New Covenant is weighted with spiritual conditions and promises, focusing on eternal salvation. It demands that we meet specific terms, including being called, repenting, believing the gospel, believing in Jesus Christ, obeying Him, being baptized, and receiving His Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands. These conditions are essential to receive the spiritual blessings promised, which were not part of the Old Covenant's framework. The purpose of the New Covenant is to address the spiritual fault in humanity that hindered the Israelites from keeping the Old Covenant. This fault, rooted in their heart and nature, made consistent and faithful submission to God impossible, even within a physically oriented covenant. Through the New Covenant, God promises to work within us to remove this flaw, ensuring an ongoing cleansing of sins, not just an initial forgiveness. This continuous process of forgiveness is vital for maintaining the terms of the New Covenant throughout our lives, as our old nature persists in sinning, requiring repeated cleansing to be presented to Christ reflecting His image. Grace, under the New Covenant, is a boundless gift opened to us through Christ's unilateral actions. It provides liberty, fullness of spiritual gifts, and access to the transcendent beauty of God's holiness. This grace enables us to stand firm, resisting the pull of human nature that seeks to draw us back to an unconverted state. It supplies our every spiritual need, offering strength and balance to withstand life's trials and maintain our path toward God's Kingdom. Grace is not merely for personal benefit but equips us with specific gifts to serve others and the church, ensuring we fulfill God's intended purpose. Furthermore, the New Covenant instills in us the hope of the glory of God, a hope sustained by His love through the Holy Spirit, assuring us that our journey will not be in vain. This hope, coupled with the guarantee of God's Spirit as a seal and earnest of our inheritance, confirms that He will complete what He has started in us, provided we allow Him to work. Through Christ's actions, we are justified, declared righteous with His righteousness, and exhorted to actively maintain peace with God by striving to hold fast to what has been accomplished for us. Thus, law and grace intertwine in the New Covenant, with grace empowering us to meet the law's spiritual demands and transforming us into His image for eternal life.