The Spirit of the Law

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  09/26/22

Some people say that the natural response to salvation by grace alone is something like this: “Now that I am saved by grace, I can break every one of the commandments.” Anyone who believes and practices that is not saved. The Bible tells us clearly that those who are saved by grace keep the law. They are not habitual lawbreakers (see 1 John 2:3-6; 5:1-4).

Those who have experienced the love and the grace of God are not only going to keep the letter of the law, but they are going to keep the spirit of the law. Not only do they not kill because they are obeying the commandment, but those who have received God’s grace through Jesus Christ also do not hate, which is the first step that leads to murder. That is the spirit of the law. And not only do they not take revenge, but they also forgive those who hurt and despise them. They love their enemies—the spirit of the law—because they have received the grace of God by faith alone, believing in Jesus Christ as their Savior.

Grace changes the heart. How, then, can a Christian who is saved by grace alone keep the spirit and the letter of the law? When you are saved by grace alone, the Holy Spirit of God comes to dwell inside you, and He empowers you to do the impossible.

Legalism imposes an outward code. It can never change our hearts and inner desires. Grace, on the other hand, provides the inner desire and the power to obey God. If you want to live in victory and in power, receive the overwhelming grace and love of God today.

Prayer: God, thank You for Your grace that empowers me to keep not only the letter of the law but also the spirit of the law. Thank You for changing my inner desires so that I want to live in obedience to You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 1:14).