Why can the law not save us?

Response

There is much discussion about the law and its role in our salvation. While many Christians agree with the biblical truth of salvation by grace through faith, what about the law? Can it also bring salvation? The Bible’s response is “no.” Here are some passages that delve into the connection between the law and our salvation:

Hebrews 10:1–4 states, “The law is merely a shadow of the good things to come—not the realities themselves. It can never, by the same sacrifices repeated year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. Otherwise, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer feel guilty for their sins. But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins. It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.”

Romans 3:20 declares, “Therefore no one will be justified in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become aware of our sin.”

Galatians 2:16 affirms, “Know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. We have also believed in Christ Jesus in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.”

Galatians 3:10 warns, “For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.'”

Galatians 5:4 emphasizes, “You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.”

So, why is the law unable to save us? First, let’s consider the purpose of the law. Far from being a means of salvation, the law exposes our sinful nature and our responsibility to God, as stated in Romans 3:20. Paul further explains this in Romans 7:7, “What shall we say…”, then? Is the law sinful? Certainly not! Nevertheless, I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, ‘You shall not covet.’”

The law by itself is good and reveals God’s moral perfection, but its main purpose is to expose our moral failure. While humans were already sinners before the law was given, it diagnosed our sinful state like a medical test reveals an illness. However, just as a test cannot offer a cure, the law is not the solution to our sinfulness.

It is a mistake to think that God saved people through the law before the arrival of Christ. Romans 4:3 debunks this notion by highlighting that Abraham was justified by faith, not the law. Even after God gave the law, the sacrificial system continued to cover people’s sin, indicating that the sin problem persisted and symbolizing the ultimate sacrifice that was to come «And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: », (Hebrews 10:11). Temporary atonement through animals would be unnecessary if humans could be saved through obedience to the law. Old Testament figures like Abraham, Moses, and David placed their faith in the God they knew and relied on the promises He made. Their sins were ultimately atoned for at the cross (Romans 3:25-26;Hebrews 9:15).

Furthermore, the law cannot save because it lacks the power to transform. The Holy Spirit is the One who transforms us when we place our faith in Christ (John 3:5-6;Titus 3:5). Christianity distinguishes itself from other religions that teach salvation (in its various forms) is obtained by works. Adherents of other religions are left to struggle

To abide by the rules and inevitably fall short. They then either give up or delve deeper into self-righteousness. In Christianity, salvation is through grace by faith, leading to a connection with God that influences our way of life. Instead of depending on our actions, we rely on Christ’s deeds and reconciliation.

The law is flawless and beneficial, but it cannot rescue us. Instead, it discloses that we are sinners requiring a Savior. Salvation is exclusively found in the person of Jesus «Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. », (Acts 4:12).