The Law: Holy, Just, and Good

 

Scripture: Romans 6:1–3; Romans 7:7–12 (emphasis on verse 12)

Introduction
Brothers and sisters, today we turn our hearts to the words of Paul in the book of Romans, where he speaks about the law in relation to Christ’s work on the cross. Some might wonder: If we are saved by grace, does the law still matter? Others might ask: Is the law something to be feared or cast aside now that Christ has come?

Paul answers these questions with great clarity, reminding us that the law itself is holy, just, and good (Romans 7:12).

 Grace Does Not Abolish the Law (Romans 6:1–3)

Paul begins by asking, "Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?" (Romans 6:1). His response is immediate and firm: "God forbid!" Just because Christ has freed us from sin does not mean we should live lawlessly. Instead, we are called to walk in newness of life.

The law was never the problem—sin was the problem. The law revealed sin, but it did not cause it. Rather, it showed us the standard of God's holiness and our need for a Savior.

 The Purpose of the Law (Romans 7:7–12)

Paul explains that the law acts like a mirror—it reveals sin but cannot remove it. Without the law, we would not have known the depth of our sinfulness. He uses the example of coveting: “I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet” (Romans 7:7).

But does this mean the law is bad? Absolutely not! It is through the law that we see our need for Christ. The problem is not the law—it is sin that corrupts. The law points us to Christ, who alone can redeem us.

 The Law is Holy, Just, and Good (Romans 7:12)

Here is the heart of today’s message: “Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.” The law reflects God's character—it is holy, because it comes from a holy God. It is just, because it teaches us righteousness. It is good, because it leads us to Christ.

Even though Christ fulfilled the law, He did not abolish it (Matthew 5:17). Rather, He gave us the grace to live according to God's righteousness—not by our own strength, but through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Walking in Grace and Truth

As believers, we no longer live under the condemnation of the law, but we do live in the righteousness it upholds. The law shows us our need for grace, and grace empowers us to fulfill the righteousness of the law through Christ.

Let us, therefore, walk in obedience—not out of fear, but out of love. For the law is holy, just, and good, and through Christ, we are given the power to live in its light. Amen.

More: Lesson 13 Love Is the Fulfillment of the Law

Next Quarter: Allusions, Images, Symbols: How to Study Bible Prophecy