Paul addresses a critical question in Romans regarding faith and its relationship to God's law: Does trusting in Christ's sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins nullify the law? His answer is resolute: Not only does this faith not overthrow the law, it actually upholds and confirms it. The faith in question is specifically belief in Christ's sacrifice as the means of atonement for sins. Since sins require atonement, a law defining right and wrong remains necessary, as sin is the transgression of that law, triggering the death penalty and the need for a Redeemer. Inherent in believing that Christ's blood pays this penalty is an acknowledgment that God's law has been broken. Thus, rather than nullifying the law through faith, we implicitly affirm that it is still in effect and recognize our need for salvation from the penalty of breaking it. Forgiveness is available through this faith when we repent, which means turning from transgressing God's standards. Paul is appalled at the idea of continuing in sin, of persisting in behaviors that activate the death penalty. Understanding this principle reveals that faith in Christ's redemptive work provides a clean slate to begin a spiritual relationship with God and learn to live by His standards, confirming the law's enduring relevance.

In the journey of understanding Scripture, there is a caution from Peter that some of Paul's writings are hard to understand, leading to wrong impressions among those who do not grasp the full message. Peter urges diligence, emphasizing a robust and focused effort to be found by God in peace, without spot and blameless. This diligence is necessary after coming under Christ's blood, as we must submit to God to live up to the imputed spotlessness and blamelessness, a task requiring significant effort. Peter warns that misusing Paul's words can lead to destruction, a judgment from God on the disobedient. He also cautions against apostasy, describing a fall from steadfastness by being led away with the error of the lawless—those who disregard God's established standards. If we fail to correctly understand Paul's teachings, we risk falling into the error of those who ignore God's law, being untaught and unstable, and avoiding the narrow way that leads to eternal life. In the book of Romans, Paul's writings are often misunderstood. While some sections seem to suggest that God's law is no longer binding, particularly regarding the seventh-day Sabbath, Paul does not contradict Himself. He explores different sides of the issue, at times appearing to uphold the law and at others seeming to diminish its necessity. Yet, all of what He writes is true, and understanding requires attention to timing, context, and purpose. Without this, many miss the full meaning, selectively emphasizing parts that align with disregarding certain laws while becoming uneasy when Paul upholds God's standards.

God does not expect instantaneous perfection, but He desires a faith that seeks to keep His law, establishing it through our efforts. We are saved by God's grace through faith, a faith that works through love and eagerly waits for the hope of righteousness. Paul emphatically states that faith does not void the law; on the contrary, it establishes the law, contrasting the spiritual, eternal law with temporary, ritualistic duties. This spiritual law, the Ten Commandments, is holy, just, and good, and in keeping it, there is great reward when we believe and act upon it. Our faith, like that of Abraham, is perfected by works, as seen when he offered Isaac, demonstrating that faith and works together justify us. Though we stumble often, God looks at our heartfelt attitude and effort, imputing righteousness to us as long as our faith prioritizes keeping His commandments with wholehearted commitment. By disciplining ourselves to walk in the law-abiding steps of faith, God reckons our faith as righteousness, forgiving our sins when our attitude remains right. This faith, mirroring that of Jesus Christ, gives top priority to God's law, ultimately producing His righteousness in us.

Faith does not void the law; rather, it establishes it. Through faith, we are called to keep the commandments, making our faith perfect by our works. The inspired Scripture declares that we do not make void the law through faith, but instead, we establish the law. It is by keeping the law that faith is made complete, and this requires a living faith, one that trusts in the power of God to make obedience possible. With men, keeping the commandments is impossible, but with God, all things are possible. Faith in God's power, coupled with our diligent effort, leads to perfect obedience. A just God would not command what is impossible, and through faith and the gift of His Holy Spirit, it is possible to keep His commandments. The true commandment-keeper must trust God to make such obedience achievable, thus establishing the law through faith.

In addressing the concept of faith and its relationship to establishing the law, it is evident that faith does not negate the law but rather upholds its rightful place in our understanding of God's purpose. As stated in Romans 3:31, we do not make void the law through faith; rather, we establish it. This principle is clear: faith in Jesus Christ, who serves as the payment for our sins, frees us from sin's penalty and imputes His righteousness to us, granting access to the holy presence of God. Yet, this act of justification through faith does not abolish the law. Instead, it positions the law as a vital component in God's plan for our lives. Further insight from Galatians 2:16 reveals that a man is not justified by works of the law except through faith in Christ. This indicates that law-keeping alone, without faith, holds no value toward justification. However, faith without works is equally ineffective, as both must operate together. The law provides the framework for understanding sin and righteousness, and faith in Christ activates its purpose in our lives, ensuring that our obedience is not merely ritualistic but rooted in a living relationship with Him. Thus, faith establishes the law by affirming its role in guiding us toward God's intended image for humanity.

God's purpose from the beginning has been to restore all things, reproducing Himself and creating children in His image while working to restore His government to the earth. The New Covenant fits beautifully into this purpose, not merely as a device to save people, but as a means to align humanity with His law. Through the rebellion of Helel and the failure of Adam and Eve, assisted by satan the devil, God's government was rejected, highlighting the necessity of law in maintaining relationship with Him. In exploring the relationship between faith and law, it is clear that neither grace, nor faith, nor justification itself has anything to do with doing away with laws. As stated in Romans 3:31, Paul asks, "Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law." This indicates that justification by faith does not nullify any law—whether man's law, church law, or God's law—but rather upholds it. The emphasis is on law in general, not a specific body of laws, showing that faith serves to establish the authority of law in all forms. The carnal mind, as described in Romans 8:7, is enmity against God, not subject to His law, nor can it be. This anti-law bias often reveals itself in resistance to God's commandments, reflecting a deeper struggle within human nature. Yet, God's plan through justification is not to abolish law but to bring mankind into alignment with it. As seen in Romans 8:1-4, there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus who walk after the Spirit, for the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus frees from the law of sin and death. God sent His Son to condemn sin, not law, ensuring that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us. The purpose of justification through faith in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ is to enable us to keep His commandments, as affirmed in I John 5:3, where the love of God is defined as keeping His commandments, which are not grievous. The law's requirements are good, fair, and just, as Paul states in Romans 7:12, describing the law as holy, just, and good. God's law is not harsh or cruel but serves as a guide and friend, given by a loving Father for the well-being of His children, preparing them to be in His image when He restores all things. Through the New Covenant, God enhances faith to achieve salvation, not to do away with laws. Justification provides access to God, allowing sanctification unto holiness to take place, but it does not remove human nature or the need for law. As shown in Romans 7, even Paul struggled with the flesh warring against the spirit, yet he delighted in the law of God in his inward man. The New Covenant works to bring God's purpose to perfection, requiring a loving and serving government, perfect laws, and willing submission, all of which are supported by the faith established through Christ.