hp note 23 (RM - law of grace)

Matthew 5:17-19 - the law has the following purposes:

1. Law as Master.
It shows us we are imperfect. Salvation from God is the transfer from being under the law to under grace. A good example will be from a transfer from a class with a punitive teacher focused only on discipline to a nurturing teacher focused on developing.

2. Law as Moral Standard of God.
James 1:22
Romans 7:7
The law reflects the parameter of God's desire for His people but does not reflect the extent of His Love.

3. Law as Map
Psalm 119:105 - The Word of God shows us the direction to take in life.
God never intended for us to choose between right and wrong. He forbade Adam and Eve to eat from the Tree of knowledge of good and evil.
The law shows us what is good and evil.
The main question or focus should be on what is life and death, and through Jesus, full of grace, we now have the ability to choose LIFE!

4. Law as Measure
The law measures our progress. The Word of God shows us where we are. We should not use it to judge or measure others. The word of God is not a machete we use to cut others down.
We are punished with consequences, but grace is not condemnation. Instead His grace gives us His grade for the test of life.