Law and Grace Contrasted

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 5
 
“The law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:1717For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. (John 1:17)).
“Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth” (Rom. 10:44For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. (Romans 10:4)).
“By Him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses” (Acts 13:3939And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. (Acts 13:39)).
The two principles are distinct and in sharp contrast to each other, and cannot possibly be mixed, nor one added to the other.
The law makes all depend upon what I am for God. Grace makes all depend upon what God is for me.
The law demands; grace bestows.
The law condemns; grace justifies.
The law curses; grace blesses.
The law keeps one in bondage; grace sets the believer free.
The law says: “Thou shalt do.” Grace says: “It is done.”
The law requires righteousness from man. Grace places God’s righteousness upon man.
As God had made coats of skin to clothe Adam and Eve, so the atoning death of the Lamb of God covers the believer. It is “the best robe” (Luke 15:2222But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: (Luke 15:22)), “the righteousness of God  ... upon all them that believe.” Rom. 3:2222Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: (Romans 3:22).