Q 2: How does the Law of God make people holy?

A 2: The Law of God does not make people holy; God declares holy those who receive redemption in Jesus Christ by grace through faith. Those thus redeemed and declared holy make progress in actual holiness by following the example of Jesus and obeying the teaching of God’s Law. (Eph. 2.8, 9; Rom. 3.21-26; Rom. 3.31; 2 Cor. 7.1; 1 Jn. 2:1-6)

The Law is holy but the Law has no power to impart holiness to those who are subject to it. Holiness, like salvation, is of the Lord, through the grace of God in Jesus Christ. The Law is the standard of holiness, but in order for men to rise to that standard they need the work of grace in their souls, not only unto redemption, but for the ongoing work of sanctification, or, of becoming holy.

Holiness is a judgment only God can make. He declares to be holy all who renounce any personal claims of merit or worthiness, acknowledging their sin and need of grace, and look to Jesus Christ alone for the holiness they require to be acceptable in God’s sight. God’s declaration of holiness on behalf of any sinner is thus not dependent on their faith or obedience, but upon His grace and power, both initially, unto salvation, and continually, unto sanctification.

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