“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’” Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.” John 1:14-18(NIV)
1) Through LAW comes punishment. e.g. when traffic sign says below 120, then you cross that limit you are to be punished. No law then no punishment.
2) Through GRACE comes freedom. e.g. The Angels were singing Good News of great joy to all people when Jesus was born, because God ‘s unmerited favour had been shown to all who believe.
“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.” – Luke 2:10-14 (NIV)
From Moses till Jesus Law was in effect. One of the reasons is to purify a Holy generation to bring God’s Son into this world!
“Then Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain and said, “This is what you are to say to the descendants of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”” – Exodus 19:3-6(NIV)
1) LAW led people to rebel. e.g. (Exodus 32) Golden Calf the Israelites built when God gave them the 10 commandments in (Exodus 20).
2) GRACE leads people to repentance. e.g. “Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realising that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?” Romans 2:4(NIV)
Old Testament
People of Israel were under LAW by the Old Covenant. God was imputing their sins on them.
e. g David was punished for his sins of adultery and murder because he was living under law.
“David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the one to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: “Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them.”” – Romans 4:6-8(NIV); (Psalms 32:1-2)
New Testament
People are under GRACE. God is not imputing the sins on them.
e. g Jesus forgiving the woman caught in adultery and sets her free.
John 8:4-5, “the teachers of the Law said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?”
7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”
9-11 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said.“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.””
People are using the Law to kill the woman but Jesus used the same Law to save the woman. New Covenant God is not imputing our sins on us. (Hebrews 8:6-8)
How can God show Grace?
God put our sins on Jesus and punished Him on the Cross and Jesus body was buried with our sin and when Jesus resurrected from dead He came alive with a Glorious Body without sin. God did not over look sin God punished it in Jesus so He can legally/ legitimately show Grace to us who accept Him. (Romans 8:1-4)
You are no more under Law and Punishment if you accept Jesus as your Lord & Saviour. Receive God’s Grace, His unmerited favour and His goodness in your life freely!!