The Law

The Law paints a hopeless picture for all humankind. Ever since the fall of Adam and Eve into sin, we are all born inherently sinful. The requirement of perfect obedience is unmeetable. God's Law does three things:

• It shows us our sin and the need for a Savior.
• It partially checks the coarse outbreak of sin.
• It tells us what is pleasing to God.

From sin to salvation

The doctrine of Law is a difficult and disturbing message. On hearing it, some people reject the Bible and God's message altogether. But by giving us his Law, God shows us our need for salvation and leads us to a proper perspective for receiving the gospel message. The following truths, clearly stated in the Bible, lead us from sin to salvation.

• We are all inherently sinful. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23
• No one can earn their way into heaven. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather through the law we become conscious of sin. Romans 3:20
• One sin has the same consequences as thousands of sins. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. James 2:10
• No sin is so great that it cannot be forgiven. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
• We can't earn forgiveness, but God gives it to us out of grace (undeserved love). For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not of yourselves--it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:18

Now read about God's gift of salvation in the Gospel.