Jesus made the change from the Law to grace happen. Thank you, Jesus, for grace! You will thank him also after this “law to grace” Bible study.

Law to Grace; Not Under Law Now Under Grace

STM Bible Study Summary

The sacrificial death of Jesus made eternal salvation possible and brought in God’s grace—law of faith—(extended to the “Church”, “the Children of God”, or “Born again believer”) through or by faith in Jesus Christ. “For when the priesthood is changed, there is, of necessity, also a change in the law“ [Hebrews 7:12 (RKJNT)].

For Christ is the end of the law [it leads to Him and its purpose is fulfilled in Him], for [granting] righteousness to everyone who believes [in Him as Savior]. Romans 10:4 (AMP)

Sins hold is broken

For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. 15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Romans 6:14-15 (KJV)

Think about this:

Going from the Mosaic Law to grace—divine grace—for many is not so easy to understand. This is clear because some continue to follow portions of that Law such as paying tithes, keeping the Sabbath, believing the ten commandments are essential for salvation, etc. The Law is not a buffet where you choose what you like and ignore what you dislike.

Key Points:

1. Law led to Jesus

   The Law and the prophets pointed to Christ. Jesus said all things must happen, which were written about Him in the law of Moses, the prophets, and in the psalms [Luke 24:44]. “Now we see how God does make us acceptable to him. The Law and the Prophets tell how we become acceptable, and it isn’t by obeying the Law of Moses.” [Galatians 3:21 (CEV)]. Christ has fulfilled everything the law was meant to do. So now everyone who believes [or has faith in Jesus] can be right with God [Romans 10:4 (NIRV)].

2. Jesus brought peace

   Jesus made you free from the curse, division caused by, and rules of the Law of Moses. “For Christ is [the source of] our peace. He made both [Jews and Gentiles] one people and broke down the barrier wall of hostility that divided them, 15 by abolishing {make useless} in His fleshly body the [entire Jewish] law of commandments contained in decrees. [This was] so that He could create in [unity with] Himself one new person [i.e., the church] out of the two peoples [i.e., Jews and Gentiles], thereby bringing about peace [between them]” [Ephesians 2:14-15 (AUV)].

3. Grace thru Jesus

   God’s grace came through Jesus [John 1:17] because He died for you. “But God loves us deeply. He is full of mercy. 5 So he gave us new life because of what Christ has done. He gave us life even when we were dead in sin. God’s grace has saved you” [Ephesians 2:4-5 (NIRV)].

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The “Mosaic” Law

Purpose

Now the law of Moses was introduced [into the world] in order to cause sin to increase [i.e., it defined many things to be wrong that were previously not regarded as sin]. But with the increase of sin, God’s unearned favor increased all the more. Romans 5:20 (AUV)

For the Jews

To whom was the Law given? When God gave the Law, starting with the Ten Commandments, He told Moses to come to Mount Sinai [Exodus 19:3]. This is the beginning of the Law; what the Lord said before the first commandment. “I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage” [Exodus 20:2]. By this statement alone one must know that the Law was for and to the Jews. In fact, later Moses was to “Speak unto the children of Israel” [Exodus 25:2].

• Another example is “And this is the law which Moses set before the children of Israel:” [Deuteronomy 4:44].

What were some of the reasons Jesus had to bring the Law to an end? The following shows us why we should be glad that we do not have to keep the Law.

Required perfection

The Israelites broke the Law and covenant [Jeremiah 31:32]. Even the priests broke the Law [Ezekiel 22:26]. As a result, the Lord promised to create a new agreement [Jeremiah 31:31].

• “For anyone who keeps all the law, but makes a slip in one point, is judged to have gone against it all.” [James 2:10 (BBE)].

Separated from God

People were separated from God because of sin. As a result, they needed a way to return to His favor.

When you were dead in your sins, you were not set free from the sinful things of the world. But God forgave your sins and gave you new life through Christ.
14 We had broken the Law many ways. Those sins were held against us by the Law. That Law had writings which said we were sinners.
But now He has destroyed that writing by nailing it to the cross. Colossians 2:13-14 (NLV)

• “And you, who in the past were cut off and at war with God in your minds through evil works, he has now made one in the body of his flesh through death, so that you might be holy and without sin and free from all evil before him:” Colossians 1:21-22 (BBE)

Penalty

Death (physical) was often the penalty for breaking the Law. Here are some examples from Leviticus 20. The number in square brackets gives the verse, i.e., [2] = Leviticus 20:2.

Child sacrifice [2]. Sex sins are serious violations, both people must be put to death for adultery [10]; incest [11-12]; homosexuality [13]; sex with an animal [15-16]; and sorcery [27].

Works +

The Law required works and strict observance of ceremonies, rituals, and special days.

• “These gifts and sacrifices were only about food and drink and special [ceremonial; ritual] washings. They were rules for the body [or external regulations], to be followed [in force; applying] until the time of God’s new way [reformation; new order].” Hebrews 9:10 (EXB)

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Jesus the Fulfiller

Law fulfilled

Jesus fulfilled (completed) the demands (requirements) of the Law. He shed His blood for the forgiveness of our sins.

The first covenant was dedicated with blood. 19 When Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the Law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, 20 He said: This is the blood of the covenant that God has presented to you.
21 He sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of service. 22 Almost all things are by the Law purified with blood. There is no forgiveness unless blood is poured out. Hebrews 9:18-22 (NSB)

High Priest

In addition, Jesus became the ‘perfect’ high priest. Who makes it possible to receive the grace of God.

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our infirmities; but one who in every respect was tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore, let us boldly approach the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16 (RKJNT)

Restored relationship

There was a need to restore a right relationship with God. Nelson’s Bible Dictionary states “The process by which God and man are brought together again. The Bible teaches that God and man are alienated from one another because of God’s holiness and man’s sinfulness.”

And all these things are from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ, and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 That is, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, not counting men’s sins against them; and he has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were making his appeal through us: we beg you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sakes he has made him to be sin, who knew no sin; that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:18-21 (RKJNT)

Galatians 2:17-21

We Jews came to Christ to be made right with God, so it is clear that we were sinners too. Does this mean that Christ makes us sinners? Of course not. 18 But I would be wrong to begin teaching again those things that I gave up. 19 It was the law itself that caused me to end my life under the law. I died to the law so that I could live for God. I have been nailed to the cross with Christ.
20 So I am not the one living now—it is Christ living in me. I still live in my body, but I live by faith in the Son of God. He is the one who loved me and gave himself to save me. 21 I am not the one destroying the meaning of God’s grace. If following the law is how people are made right with God, then Christ did not have to die (ERV).

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Now Under The Grace of God

Grace

I must apologize my friends for introducing such an important word, grace, without giving it the benefit deserved. Grace is of such importance that it merits an article focusing on it alone. I intend to do so as soon as possible. For now, please accept this short breakdown of grace. —Tim

Romans 6:12-14

Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. 13 Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life.
So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. 14 Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace. (NLT)

Not Earned

The grace of God is undeserved, unearned, and not based on what you do. God’s saving grace is for all born-again believers; no one is excluded, and all are welcome. I urge you to be born again so you too can have this grace!

I mean that you have been saved by grace through believing. You did not save yourselves; it was a gift from God. 9 It was not the result of your own efforts, so you cannot brag about it. 10 God has made us what we are. In Christ Jesus, God made us to do good works, which God planned in advance for us to live our lives doing. Ephesians 2:8-10 (NCV)

Based on…

Grace does require belief, faith, and trust in Jesus our savior.

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind: be sober, and trust perfectly on that grace that is brought unto you, in the revelation of Jesus Christ,” 1 Peter 1:13 (GNV)

Set free

Under grace, you are set free from ceremonies, rituals, and the observance of special days. This is because the child of God has the Lord living within.

He canceled the document written in ordinances [Note: This obviously refers to the Mosaic law] that was against us and was opposed to us, and has taken it out of the way, nailing it to the cross. 15 [In doing this] Christ disarmed the rulers and authorities [i.e., evil forces] and made a public display of them, triumphing over them through the cross. [Note: This could possibly be rendered “God triumphed over them through Christ”]. 16 So, do not allow anyone to judge [i.e., condemn] you for what you eat, or what you drink, or regarding [your non-observance of] a [yearly] festival, or a [monthly] “new moon” observance, or a [weekly] Sabbath day. Colossians 2:14-16 (AUV)

The word “grace” in biblical parlance can, like forgiveness, repentance, regeneration, and salvation, mean something as broad as describing the whole of God’s activity toward man or as narrow as describing one segment of that activity. An accurate, common definition describes grace as the unmerited favor of God toward man. —Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology-Andrew H. Trotter, Jr.

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Law to grace wrap-up

Thank you, Jesus, for grace and truth. Are you grateful for the grace of God?

Romans 3:21-26

But God has a way to make people right with him without the law. And God has now shown us that way which the law and the prophets told us about. 22 God makes people right with himself through their faith in Jesus Christ. This is true for all who believe in Christ, because all are the same.
23 All people have sinned and are not good enough for God’s glory. 24 People are made right with God by his grace, which is a free gift. They are made right with God by being made free from sin through Jesus Christ. 25 God sent him to die in our place to take away our sins. We receive forgiveness through faith.

The blood of Jesus

And all of this is because of the blood of Jesus’ death. This showed that God always does what is right and fair. God was right in the past when he was patient and did not punish people for their sins. 26 And God gave Jesus to show today that God does what is right. God did this so that he could judge rightly and also make right any person who has faith in Jesus (ICB).

Hopefully, you have a better understanding of the benefits of going from the Law to grace. “The law was without power, because the law was made weak by our sinful selves. But God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son to earth with the same human life that others use for sin. By sending his Son to be an offering for sin, God used a human life to destroy sin” [Romans 8:3 (NCV)].

Law to Grace

Now we know that whatever the Law says applies to those who are under the Law”. That Law was to remain in place until Christ came. Romans 3:19 (ISV)

God’s grace has saved you because of your faith in Christ. Your salvation doesn’t come from anything you do. It is God’s gift. 9 It is not based on anything you have done. No one can brag about earning it. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIRV)

After learning what the Law required. I could not imagine living under its rules. Can you? Thank you, Jesus, for bringing God’s grace. If you are still living under the Law or portions of it, I urge you to convert from following the Law to grace. I pray that you have enjoyed and will make the most of this Bible study. Blessings to you and your loved ones—♥ Tim. ☺

Outline

Note: parenthesis (#) enclose the key verses.

1. Summary: Hebrews 7:11-28 (12); Romans 10:1-13 (4) and 6:1-23 (14-15). Galatians 3:10-29 (24); Ephesians 2:1-10 (4-5) and 14-18 (14-15).

2. Mosaic Law: Romans 5:12-21 (20).
a. For the Jews: Deuteronomy 4:44-49 [(44); Exodus 19:1-6 (3) and 25:1-9 (2); Joshua 8:30-35 (31-32); Acts 25:8].
b. Required perfection: Ezekiel 22:23-31 (26); James 2:1-13 [(10); Jeremiah 7:1-27 (8-11)]; Isaiah 1:2-20 (4 and 13-15). Acts 7:51-53; Galatians 3:10-14 and 5:1-15].
c. Separate from God: Colossians 2:11-22 (13-14) and 1:19-23 [(21-22); Romans 5:6-11; Ephesians 2:11-13].
d. Penalty: Leviticus 20:1-27 (2, 10-13, 15-16 and 27).
e. Works +: Hebrews 9:6-10 [(10); Exodus 12:1-28 and 13:3-16; Philippians 3:1-11; Colossians 2:1-23; Ephesians 2:14-18].

3. Jesus the Fulfiller: Hebrews 9:16-22; Matthew 5:17-20 (17); Romans 10:1-13; Hebrews 10:5-18; Romans 8:1-11.
a. High priest: Hebrews 4:14-16 [(16), 2:10-18 (17-18), and 3:1-6 (6).
b. Restored relationship: 2 Corinthians 5:12-21 (18-21); Romans 5:6-11; Colossians 1:19-23; Ephesians 2:14-18; Hebrews 2:10-18. Galatians 2:11-21 (19).

4. Now under the grace of God: Romans 6:1-14 (12-14).
a. Not earned: Ephesians 2:1-10 (8-10); Acts 15:6-21; Romans 3:21-26, 4:1-4, and 11:1-10.
b. Based on: 1 Peter 1:13-21 (13); Romans 4:1-4; 1 Timothy 1:12-20.
c. Set free: Colossians 2:11-23 (14-16); Ephesians 2:14-18 (15); Hebrews 9:1-22; Philippians 3:1-11; Galatians 4:1-20; Leviticus 23:1-44.

5. Wrap-up: John 1:14-18 (17); Romans 3:19-31 (19 and 21-26), 8:1-11 (3); Ephesians 2:1-10 (8-9).

New covenant promised: Jeremiah 31:31-40 (31-32). The 10 Commandments: Exodus 20:1-17 (2).

Related studies/lessons/snacks for further Spiritual growth:

Freedom from Sin and the Law; Liberty Through Jesus – an estimated 17-minute read.

Truth, True Knowledge About Salvation Will Make You Free! – an estimated 7-minute read.

True Worship Is Not Tradition, But What Pleases God! – an estimated 25-minute read.

Your Hope Focused On God’s Grace Brings Eternal Life – an estimated 4-minute read.

Jesus Suffered Tragically To Make You Right With God – an estimated 14-minute read.

God Will Forgive You, Now Don’t Worry Be Happy – an estimated 28-minute read.

♥ Question for “Law to Grace; Not Under Law Now Under Grace”: Are you happy or excited that you are under God’s grace?

See what is available on the Sound Truth Ministry website.

Copyright information:

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(AMP) Scripture taken from the Amplified Bible, Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. || (ERV) Taken from the HOLY BIBLE: EASY-TO-READ VERSION © 2001 by World Bible Translation Center, Inc. and used by permission. || (EXB) The Expanded Bible Scripture taken from The Expanded Bible. Copyright ©2011 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. || (ICB) Scripture taken from the International Children’s Bible®. Copyright © 1986, 1988, 1999 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. || (ISV) Scripture taken from the Holy Bible: International Standard Version®. Copyright © 1996-forever by The ISV Foundation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INTERNATIONALLY. Used by permission.

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(NCV) Scripture taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. || (NIRV) Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Reader’s Version®, NIrV® Copyright © 1995, 1996, 1998 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. www.zondervan.com The “NIrV” and “New International Reader’s Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™ || Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Resources

Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology-Andrew H. Trotter, Jr.