Q 12: Since we cannot obey the Law unto salvation, is the Law of no use?

A 12: Not at all; the Law is useful to show us our sin, point us to Christ, and guide us in the practice of holiness. (Rom. 3.31; Rom. 7.7; Gal. 3.19-26; Rom. 7.12)

The Law has no power to save. It was never intended for that purpose, since it was given to a people who had already been redeemed because of the promise and grace of God.

The Law, being holy and righteous and good, provides a mirror in which human beings may discover the ways they fall short of the glory and expectations of God (Jms. 1.22-25). Our obligation, upon finding in our walk, any deviation from the Lord’s good and holy will, is to direct our steps in the way of His paths once again (Ps. 119:59, 60; 1 Jn. 2.1-6).

For the Law marks out the path of righteousness which God calls all men to follow. However, only through Jesus Christ, by trusting in Him and resting in the righteousness He has attained, can men know any benefit of the righteousness of the Law. Any obedience, or fruit of righteousness, which comes forth in us, as we strive to work out our salvation in fear and trembling, is only the righteousness of Jesus Christ being refracted in our lives by the inward work of the Word and Spirit of God (Phil. 2:12, 13; 2 Cor. 3:12-18).

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