Does being saved by grace through faith free us from having to keep God’s Law?
This is one of the most misunderstood topics in Christianity today. Let’s consider what the Scripture says and doesn’t say:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8–10
The Bible makes it clear that we are saved by grace through faith. That means that nothing else (including the Law) saves us. However, nowhere does it say that we are free to disobey God’s Law.
While our salvation does not come by keeping the Law, Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we are created for good works. Works are not the means by which we are saved, but they certainly tell the story of our faith in Christ. If we are saved, we will desire to do good works. We do not obey the Law of God because it saves us, but because we are saved.
Remember, sin is the transgression of God’s law (1 John 3:4) and Jesus came to save us from our sin (Matthew 1:21). Therefore, salvation by grace through faith does not remove the Law of God from a Christian’s life. If the Law were removed from the equation, then knowledge of sin in our life would be absent (Romans 3:20). If we are not aware of our sins, then we will not see our need of a Savior. Paul confirms these truths in several passages of Scripture (emphasis supplied throughout):
“Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law.” Romans 3:31
Notice how Paul confirms the fact that faith does not cancel or make void the Law:
“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?… For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not!” Romans 6:1–2, 14–15
Paul understands that sin is the transgression of God’s Law. Therefore, it would be erroneous to teach others that being saved by grace means freedom to violate God’s Law. He also understands more than anyone that the Law serves an important purpose. It doesn’t save us, but it points us to the Savior.
Grace is an amazing gift that can only come by faith, and obedience is the natural response from someone who understands grace (Romans 1:5).