Dr. Adrian Rogers (1931-2005) was pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee for 33 years. Dr. Rogers offers powerful insights about the differences between the law and the gospel.
You are not saved by keeping the law.
The law says, “Do this, and thou shalt live.” The gospel says, “live, and thou shalt do.”
The law says, “Pay me what thou owest.” The gospel says, “I freely forgive all.”
The law says, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy soul, with all thy heart, with all thy mind” [Matt. 22:37]. The gospel says, “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins” [1 John 4:10]
The law says, “Cursed is every one who continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them” [Gal. 3:10]. The gospel says, “Blessed is the man whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered” [Ps. 32:1].
The law says, “The wages of sin is death” [Rom. 6:23]. The gospel says, “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” [Rom. 6:23].
The law demands holiness. The gospel provides holiness.
The law says, “Do!” The gospel says, “Done!”
The law places the day of rest at the end of the week. The gospel places the day of rest at the beginning of the week.
The law makes blessing the result of obedience. The gospel makes obedience the result of blessing.
The law says, “Run!” but it doesn’t give us any legs. The gospel says, “Fly!” and it give us wings.
Oh, thank God for the gospel! What the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, Christ, dying for sinful flesh, brought to us light and life and immortality in the gospel” [Rom. 8:3; 2 Tim. 1:10].
The following contrasts between legalism and grace are very similar. Let’s consider a few of them. This list is adapted from this brief article.
Legalism demands. Grace enables.
Legalism challenges but ultimately defeats us. Grace provides victory through surrender.
Legalism points to an unattainable goal of righteousness. Grace puts us in the place of Christ’s righteousness from the start.
Legalism says, “Earn recognition.” Grace says, “Recognize what Christ has done for you.”
Legalism motivates through obligation. Grace encourages through love.
Legalism lies to us about our ability. Grace tells us the truth about our helplessness apart from Christ.
Legalism leads us to believe we’re right with God when we aren’t. Grace tells us we are alienated from the Lord but invites us to allow Him to forgive our sins and bring us into a right relationship with Him.
Legalism says, “You have to.” Grace makes us want to.
Legalism promotes pride. Grace fosters humility.
Legalism imprisons. Grace liberates.
Legalism is written in black and white. Grace is written in red—the color of Christ’s shed blood.
Legalism makes sense but doesn’t work in the real world. Grace sounds too good to be true but genuinely transforms us and enables us to face everyday challenges.
The gospel of grace accomplishes what legalism rooted in the law never could! Yes, the law serves an important purpose, but that purpose is to bring us to a point of realizing our own helplessness so we would receive God’s grace! Having received God’s grace, we now have God’s power to live as transformed individuals. He makes it possible!
A PDF file showcasing these contrasts is available here.
None of this Is Cause to Jettison God’s Law
In light of God’s grace, should Christians jettison God’s law? Never! (See Rom. 6:1-2; 7:12; Pss. 1:1-6; 19:7-11; 119). In fact, it is because of God’s grace that we are to love, revere, and obey the law.
Let us say, along with the psalmist,
19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;
9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
Yea, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned,
And in keeping them there is great reward.
Copyright © 2022 by B. Nathaniel Sullivan. All rights reserved.