In the New Testament (NT) it is clearly stated that Christians should not trust the law for their salvation, neither for the continuation of their spiritual lives after salvation. The reason for this statement is that an important dispensational change occurred during the crucifixion and resurrection of the Lord Jesus, as well as the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. These events constituted a transition from the dispensation of the law to the dispensation of grace.
However, this dispensational change does not represent a rigid abolition of the principles and demands of the law but rather their fulfilment in the acts of salvation associated with the coming of the Messiah. Jesus said, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfil” (Matt. 5:17). During His earthly life as the Son of Man, Jesus Christ complied with all the demands of the law – something which no other human being could ever do. This does not only include compliance with the moral demands of the Law, but also the fulfilment of all the shadowy feasts and sacrifices that were prescribed by the law in the Old Testament (OT). In the OT, people had to bring sacrifices for their sins, which all pointed to the once for all sacrifice of the Lamb of God on the cross.
Through the Messiah’s life, as well as the great significance of His death and resurrection, He concluded the preparatory phase of the law, therefore “Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes” (Rom. 10:4). The righteousness of God is imputed to us through acceptance, in faith, of the sacrifice of Christ’s perfect life as the spotless Lamb of God. We are saved by grace, not by observing the law. After salvation the Lord expects of us a life which is in accordance with the basic principles of His love that has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 5:5). In this way we will grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ while we are increasingly conformed to His image. The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin – not the law. He also enables us to live Holy.
People who were saved by grace cannot be under law and under grace at the same time, since those under the law are slaves of sin: “For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace” (Rom. 6:14). The Amplified Bible translates this scripture as follows: “For sin shall not [any longer] exert dominion over you, since now you are not under Law [as slaves], but under grace – as subjects of God’s favour and mercy.”
It is a clearly stated fact that we cannot simultaneously be under law and under grace. Should we endeavour to do so our actions would be an indication that the grace of Christ is not sufficient for us. That means that the gospel of the cross is insufficient and needs to be supplemented by law observance. For this reason we cannot impose any OT law on believers, regardless of whether it is Sabbath observance on Saturdays, tithing or circumcision. Paul says, “You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace” (Gal. 5:4).
We should realise that the grace of Christ after the dispensation of the law represents a progressive unfolding of God’s plan of salvation for humanity. Grace working through love is far greater than the letter of the law which could never be fulfilled by people. Spiritually, we live on a higher level than the people of the OT, when only a few individuals could truly be regarded as anointed ones of the Lord. Even they still had to wait for the Messiah and did not comprehend the riches of His grace. When our disposition and acts are characterised by the agape love of God, we have also fulfilled the law (Rom. 13:10) and no longer need to be guided by the law. The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth.
In this book we wish to give you understanding of the nature and objectives of the law and grace to enable you to clearly distinguish between them. Christians who think we are still under law restrict their spiritual growth and increase in grace. The modern trend towards Judaising the Christian faith (so-called Christian Zionism or Messianic Judaism) is a very dangerous form of compromise between law and grace, and actually causes many Christians to diminish in grace. They do not stand fast in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and again subject themselves to the yoke of a legalistic form of worship.
One of the very common practices in this movement is to revert to an OT form of Sabbath observance. This matter is thoroughly investigated and compared to the NT practice of celebrating the resurrection day of Christ on Sundays. We also review the theology of the Seventh-day Adventists, who are known for mixing law and grace.
Subsequently, we describe the principles of Christian fundamentalism, as well as the way in which they should be observed. Christians who wish to closely walk in accordance with the Bible should learn to identify and honour these principles, including OT principles which harmonise with them. A Fundamental believer is not to be confused with a legalistic believer.
In a final chapter, the new life in Christ is described with reference to Romans 5 and 6. From this discussion it is evident what the upward call of God in Christ Jesus is, and how sanctification can be experienced as a virtue which is exceedingly higher than anything that can be achieved through outward law observance.