“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17 NIV). This verse helps us understand the relationship between the Law and the Gospel. In simple words, the Law shows us what is right, and the Gospel shows us how God saves us when we fall short.
The Law includes God’s commands, such as the Ten Commandments. These commands teach us how to honor God, respect our families, treat our neighbors, and live with honesty and self-control. They are not harmful rules meant to crush us. They are good boundaries from a loving Creator, meant to guide us toward a better life.
But the Law also works like a mirror. A mirror can show dirt on our face, but it cannot wash it away. In the same way, God’s Law shows us our sin, our selfishness, and our need for help. It shows us that none of us can make ourselves right with God by rule-keeping alone.
That is where the Gospel comes in. The Gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ came because God loves us. Jesus did what we could not do. He lived in perfect obedience, gave His life for our sins, and rose again so we could be forgiven and brought back to God. The Law tells us, “This is what holiness looks like.” The Gospel tells us, “Jesus has made a way for you.”
The Law and the Gospel are not enemies. The Law points out the problem; the Gospel gives the answer. The Law shows us God’s standard; the Gospel shows us God’s mercy. The Law shows us our need for a Savior; the Gospel shows us that Savior in Jesus Christ.
As Christians, grace does not mean we can live any way we want. Grace changes our hearts so we want to love God and love people. We still value God’s commands. We still teach honesty, faithfulness, respect, and love in our homes and communities. We also understand that breaking man’s laws can bring real consequences, even when God offers forgiveness.
The Ten Commandments remind us of values that still matter today: worship God alone, do not make idols, honor God’s name, keep sacred time with Him, honor parents, do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not lie, and do not covet. These commands help shape our culture, values, beliefs, families, and daily choices.
So, the Law teaches us what is right, but the Gospel gives us hope when we have done wrong. The Law shows us our need, and the Gospel shows us God’s love. Through Moses, God gave commands that reveal His holiness. Through Jesus Christ, God gave grace and truth that reveal His heart. In the end, the relationship between Law and Gospel is simple: the Law leads us to see our need for Jesus, and the Gospel leads us to trust, love, and follow Him.
Minister A Francine Green I June 2026