The Law's True Purpose: Why Christians Think They Can Keep It
Orientation
Many Christians mistakenly believe they can keep the law to please God, which undermines the gospel and their assurance.
- The law was never given as a guidebook for Christian living or a ladder to God.
- This impression waters down the law's demands and nullifies its terror.
- It leads to bondage and the false hope that God's favor can be earned.
Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. (Romans 3:20)
— Romans 3:20
Clarification
The law's true function is to diagnose sin and drive us to Christ, not to provide a rule for life.
- The law is a ministration of death and condemnation, revealing our incurable condition.
- Mixing law and grace creates an incoherent system that obscures both.
- Its purpose is to strip us of self-righteousness, not to guide our behavior.
Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. (Galatians 3:24)
— Galatians 3:24
Structure
Biblical logic shows the law curses all who rely on it, while grace provides righteousness as a free gift through Christ.
- The law shuts every mouth, leaving the world guilty before God.
- Justification by faith alone in Christ frees us from the law's condemnation.
- Christ Himself is our righteousness, sanctification, and reward.
Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: (Galatians 3:13)
— Galatians 3:13
Weight-Bearing Prose
The law functions as God’s diagnostic tool, revealing the ruin of the fall and proving no one can qualify for blessing by human effort. This exposure is a mercy—it strips us of every illusion of self-righteousness. Paul’s categories are clear: the law is a ministry of death and cursing (2 Cor 3:7; Gal 3:10). Its purpose is conviction, not guidance. Legalistic teaching that mingles law and grace leaves neither in their God-ordained place, creating bondage. Justification is by faith alone in Christ, apart from the works of the law (Rom 3:28). To attempt to live by the law is to place yourself under its curse and forfeit the liberty Christ purchased. The inheritance, the Spirit, and the enjoyment of God as your reward are received freely by faith, not by works (Gal 3:1-6). Christ is not a helper in law-keeping; He is your righteousness, sanctification, and life (1 Cor 1:30).
Integration
Your standing before God is based solely on Christ’s finished work. You have a clear conscience because your righteousness is His, not your own. There is no pressure to measure yourself by the law. You are a justified son and heir, free from condemnation. Everything you need is found in Christ, received by faith, and supplied by the Spirit. Rest in this. Your assurance and inheritance are secure in Him, not in your performance. Look to Christ alone and enjoy the liberty of being a true heir, empowered by the Spirit. This is your permanent, stable landing place.