The Tension We All Feel
If the Bible is clear that we’ve died to the law (Romans 7:4, Galatians 2:19), why does it seem like so many Christians and churches keep pushing it? Why do sermons, books, and teachings so often sound like “Do this, don’t do that” instead of “It is finished”?
It’s not a new problem. The early church wrestled with it too (just read Acts 15 or the book of Galatians). Let’s break down why this push toward law-keeping still happens today.
1. Fear of Lawlessness
Leaders worry that if people hear “You’re not under the law,” they’ll run wild. Rules feel like a fence that keeps sheep safe. But Paul anticipated this objection: “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means!” (Romans 6:1–2).
Grace doesn’t give license—it gives power. Grace produces holiness from the inside out, not lawlessness from the outside in.
2. Control and Tradition
Rules are tidy. They’re measurable. You can keep score. Legalism gives pastors, teachers, or communities a way to “see” who is doing well and who isn’t. Grace, however, hands control back to the Spirit. That’s messy, unpredictable, and harder to manage.
It’s easier to control people with lists than to trust the Spirit to lead them.
3. Misunderstanding the Law’s Purpose
Paul says the law is holy, righteous, and good (Romans 7:12). Psalm 19 calls it “perfect.” So what’s the problem? The law was never meant to make us righteous. It was a mirror to reveal sin (Romans 3:20; Galatians 3:24).
But many stop at admiring the mirror rather than letting it drive them to Christ. They see the law as the cure instead of what it is: the diagnosis.
4. The Flesh Loves Performance
Something in us wants to earn. It feels good to say, “I prayed enough today” or “I kept the rules, so God must be pleased with me.” Grace, on the other hand, humbles us. It forces us to admit: “I can’t earn it. Christ did it all.”
The law strokes the ego; grace kills it. That’s why our flesh always gravitates back to law.
5. Old Covenant Comfort
For centuries, God’s people lived under the law—circumcision, sacrifices, Sabbath, dietary rules. Even Jewish believers in Paul’s day found it hard to let go (see Galatians 5:1–6). Old patterns feel safe. Even today, some Christians feel “naked” without rules to cling to.
6. Confusing Law with Morality
Some fear that if we say “We’re free from the law,” we’re also saying “we’re free from morality.” Not true. We’re not lawless; we’re Spirit-led. Paul says, “If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law” (Galatians 5:18).
The Spirit actually takes us deeper: the law said “don’t murder”; Jesus said “don’t hate” (Matthew 5:21–22). Law restrains behavior; grace transforms hearts.
7. A Half-Gospel Is Easier to Preach
“Do this, don’t do that” preaches easier than “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). Rules are straightforward. Union with Christ requires faith, patience, and mystery. Sadly, many churches default to moralism because it’s more preachable.
The Bottom Line
So why the push for law? Fear. Control. Misunderstanding. Pride. Comfort. Simplicity. But none of these reflect the freedom Jesus purchased for us.
Paul couldn’t be clearer:
- “You are not under law but under grace.” (Romans 6:14)
- “Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” (Romans 10:4)
- “If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” (Galatians 5:18)
The solution to sin isn’t more law. It’s more Christ. We don’t need stricter fences—we need deeper union with Him.
Wrapping It Up
The church doesn’t need another return to law-keeping. It needs a return to Christ. When we realize we’ve died to the law and risen with Him, we finally live—not in the old way of the letter, but in the new way of the Spirit (Romans 7:6).
That’s the freedom the gospel brings.
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