Then Grace Says

"For the law was given by Moses, but grace
and truth came by Jesus Christ." ― John 1:17

 

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"For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith." 

 

― Hebrews 3:10-11

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What is the use of standing beside a lame man, and pointing to a shining summit, and saying to him, "Get up there, and you will breathe a purer atmosphere"? He is lying lame at the foot of it. 

 

There is no help for any soul in law. Men are not perishing because they do not know what they ought to do. Men are not bad because they doubt as to what their duty is. The worst man in the world knows a great deal more of what he ought to do than the best man in the world practices. So it is not for want of precepts that so many of us are going to destruction, but it is for want of power to fulfill the precepts.

Oh, brethren! we have all of us written upon the fleshly tablets of our hearts solemn commandments which we know are binding upon us; and which we sometimes would fain keep, but cannot. Is this not a message of hope and blessedness that comes to us? Grace has drawn near in Jesus Christ, and a giving God, who bestows upon us a life that will unfold itself in accordance with the highest law, holds out the fullness of His gift in that Incarnate Word.

Law is God requiring; grace is God bestowing. Law comes saying, "Do this," and our consciences respond to the imperativeness of the obligation. Then grace comes and says, "I will help thee to do it."

―  Alexander MacLaren