13.3 Law and Grace
Grace and Law – Two Paths, One Goal: Salvation in Love

Read Jeremiah 31:31–34. What does this passage teach about God’s promise to give us a new heart? Compare this with the words of Christ to Nicodemus in John 3:1–21 concerning rebirth. Also, see Hebrews 8:10.

The connection between law and grace is not a contradiction but a divine interplay. In Jeremiah 31:31–34, God promises a new covenant that is fundamentally different from the old one: instead of demanding the law only externally, God intends to write it on the hearts of His people. This signifies nothing less than a radical inner transformation—a change of character by the work of God’s Spirit.

Jesus picks up on this promise in His conversation with Nicodemus (John 3). He declares that unless one is born again—from water and the Spirit—one cannot see the Kingdom of God. This new birth is the fulfillment of what Jeremiah announced: a new heart, renewed by God Himself through the Holy Spirit.

The author of Hebrews (Hebrews 8:10) confirms that this new covenant has been made a reality through Jesus Christ. God’s law—which was written on stone tablets in the Ten Commandments—is now meant to become part of our very being. It is not to be imposed from the outside but lived from within. This transformation is only possible through the grace of God.

Law without grace makes us perpetual debtors with no hope.
Grace without law, on the other hand, would be like a compass without a north—providing no clear direction.

Yet in Jesus Christ we find both:
• Grace that saves us (Ephesians 2:8),
• and a law that shows us the way (Romans 7:7).

We do not keep the law to be accepted; rather, we keep the law because we are already accepted. We obey not out of fear, but out of love (John 14:15). Love is the power that enlivens the law—and it comes solely through the Spirit working within us.

Conclusion:
God’s law is an expression of His very nature—holy, just, and good. But it is only through the grace found in Christ that it is written on our hearts. Grace forgives, and the law directs. Together, they shape a life that honors God and loves our neighbor. Such a life is not outwardly pious but inwardly renewed—obedient from the heart.

What is your hope in the day of judgment? Is it your meticulous and conscientious adherence to the law, or is it the righteousness of Christ that covers you? What does your answer say about the function of God’s law in terms of what it can and cannot do?

This is a deeply personal and theologically significant question—a question that strikes at the very heart of the gospel:

What is my hope in the day of judgment?
Not my adherence to the law, however earnestly I strive to keep God’s commandments.
Not my diligence, no matter how hard I work.
But solely the righteousness of Jesus Christ, which is given to me as a gift of grace through faith (Philippians 3:9).

I believe that only the righteousness of Christ will sustain me on the day of judgment—not as an excuse to ignore the law, but as deep gratitude that Jesus has accomplished what I could never achieve by my own strength.

What does this say about the function of God’s law?
The law shows me what is good and right—and at the same time, it reveals that I cannot perfectly uphold it (Romans 3:20).
It is like a mirror: It shows me the dirt, but it cannot wash it away.

What the law cannot do:
• It cannot save me.
• It cannot erase my guilt.
• It cannot bestow righteousness upon me.

What it can do:
• It reveals God’s character.
• It shows me where I need forgiveness.
• It leads me to Jesus, the only Savior (Galatians 3:24).
• And it serves as a guide for living a life of love—not out of fear.

My Hope in the Day of Judgment?
Jesus alone.
His blood. His righteousness. His victory.
And because I am secure in Him, I love His law—not to save myself, but because I have been saved.
“For there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)

The relationship between law and grace is not merely a theological truth—it affects our daily thoughts, feelings, and actions in very practical ways.

1. A New Heart in the Midst of Daily Life:

   When God promises in Jeremiah to write His law on our hearts, it means our faith is not just theory. It is about an inner transformation that shapes our character, our decisions, and our interactions with others:

    In stressful situations, the Spirit reminds us of patience.

   • In moments of temptation, He shows us the better way.

   • In our dealings with others, He guides us toward love instead of judgment.

   The new birth through water and the Spirit (John 3) is not a one-time event but the beginning of a renewed lifestyle—every single day.

2. The Law as a Guiding Principle—Not a Burden:

   Every day, we face moral questions:

    How do I handle conflicts?

   • How honest am I in my work, in conversations, or when no one is watching?

   Here, God’s law provides clear standards—without condemning us. Through the grace of Christ, we no longer view the commandments with fear, but as a guide for a life filled with love.

3. Grace as a Source of Strength:

   When we fail—and we all do—grace is not a cheap get-out-of-jail-free card; it is an invitation to repent. It softens our hearts, reorients us, and motivates us to live with gratitude.

4. A Faith That Carries Us, Even on Judgment Day:

   In a world that often values achievement and self-optimization, we must know: Our security is not in our performance but in the righteousness of Jesus.

   This brings us peace—and frees us to live boldly, with love and courage.

Final Conclusion for Daily Life:
• Hold fast to grace, especially when you fail.
• Live the law, not out of obligation, but out of love.
• Allow yourself to be renewed every day through prayer, God’s Word, and the Holy Spirit.
• And above all, trust in Jesus—in everything.

For in both our daily walk and on the day of judgment, it holds true:
“Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27)

True grace does not lead us away from the law but writes it on our hearts.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-13-love-is-the-fulfillment-of-the-law-13-3-law-and-grace-the-god-of-love-and-justice-living-faith/

The Message of Jude – A Call to Faithfulness in a Time of Apostasy
The Book of Jude is short—only one chapter with 25 verses—but its message is powerful, serious, and highly relevant.

Background:

Jude, the brother of James (and thus a half-brother of Jesus), writes to believers whose loyalty to Christ is endangered by false teachers. Instead of writing about salvation, as he originally intended (verse 3), he passionately urges them to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.

Central Messages of the Book of Jude:

1. Contend for the True Faith (verse 3)

   The faith was once and for all handed down to the saints—and it is up to us to preserve it in love, truth, and purity.

2. Beware of False Teachers (verses 4–16)

   Jude warns about people who have “slipped in unnoticed.” They misuse God’s grace as a license for sin and deny Christ through their lifestyle. Jude compares them to:

   • Cain (who followed the path of rebellion),

   • Balaam (who allowed himself to be enticed by money),

   • Korah (who rose up against God’s order).

These examples show that faith without obedience is a dangerous deception.

3. Remember the Words of the Apostles (verses 17–19)

   The Book of Jude calls for spiritual vigilance. The apostles had already warned that mockers would come—people who live according to their own desires and cause divisions.

4. Remain in the Love of God (verses 20–23)

   A call to practical faithfulness:

   • Build yourselves up in the most holy faith.

   • Pray in the Holy Spirit.

   • Keep yourselves in the love of God.

   • Show mercy to those who doubt.

   • Rescue those who can still be saved—but do so with spiritual caution.

5. God Can Keep You (verses 24–25)

   The letter concludes with a majestic doxology:

“Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before his glory with great joy… be glory, majesty, power, and authority…”

This is a powerful comfort: God is able to keep us faithful through any time of apostasy.

In Summary: The Message of the Book of Jude

• Be vigilant.

• Hold fast to the faith once delivered.

• Don’t be led astray—even by religious words devoid of truth.

• Remain in God’s love—through prayer, the Word, and spiritual fellowship.

• Trust that God preserves what belongs to Him.

 

March 25, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Jude Chapter 1

¹ Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:

² Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied.

³ Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

⁴ For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

⁵ I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.

⁶ And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.

⁷ Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

⁸ Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.

⁹ Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

¹⁰ But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.

¹¹ Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.

¹² These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;

¹³ Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.

¹⁴ And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,

¹⁵ To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

¹⁶ These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage.

¹⁷ But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;

¹⁸ How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.

¹⁹ These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.

²⁰ But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

²¹ Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

²² And of some have compassion, making a difference:

²³ And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

²⁴ Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

²⁵ To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

Sometimes the smallest books of the Bible are the loudest calls to warning. The Epistle of Jude, the penultimate book of Holy Scripture, is one such wake-up call – passionate, clear, and uncompromising. In a time of increasing confusion and spiritual deception, Jude urges believers to fight for the apostolic faith, remain vigilant, and live in the love of God. Although only one chapter long, this letter is full of depth, warning – and hope.

Commentary

1.Greeting and Purpose of the Letter (Verses 1–2):
Jude introduces himself as a servant of Jesus Christ and addresses his words to the called, the sanctified, and those who are kept. He begins with a blessing: may mercy, peace, and love be increased for them – a strong promise amid serious issues.

2.Exhortation to Spiritual Struggle (Verse 3):
Jude originally intended to write about our common salvation, but the urgency of the situation led him to change course: a call to spiritual combat to defend the true faith against false teachers.

3.Warning Against False Teachers (Verses 4–16):
This passage forms the heart of the letter. Jude describes people who have infiltrated the community:

• They misuse God’s grace to justify sinful behavior.

• They deny Christ through their actions.

Biblical examples (Israelites in the wilderness, fallen angels, Sodom & Gomorrah) illustrate that God is just – and punishes apostasy. He compares the false teachers to:

• Cain (hatred),

• Bileam (greed),

• Korah (rebellion).

The figurative language (“clouds without water,” “fruitless trees,” “raging waves”) reveals their inner emptiness and destructive influence.

Call to Faithfulness and Mercy (Verses 17–23):
In contrast to the false teachers, Jude calls on the believers to:

• Remember the word of the apostles.

• Build themselves up in the faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, remain in God’s love, and hope in the mercy of Jesus.

• Show discernment: some need gentle mercy, others must be rescued from the “fire,” and still others must be warned with fear.

Praise to God (Verses 24–25):
The letter ends with one of the most beautiful doxologies in the Bible:
“Now to him who is able to keep you from falling…”
God is able to preserve us, present us blameless before Him, and fill us with joy. The honor, power, and majesty belong to Him alone – forever.

Summary

The Epistle of Jude is a passionate appeal to the community to preserve the true faith, distinguish themselves from false doctrine, and remain steadfast in prayer and in God’s love. Despite the warning against false ways, the message remains hopeful: God is faithful and preserving.

Message for Us Today

In a time when truth becomes relative, Jude calls us back to clarity, faithfulness, and steadfastness. Even today, there are seducers – not only outside but sometimes right among us, disguised in a pious manner. Therefore, the Holy Spirit calls us:

• Be vigilant, but also merciful.

• Build up your faith by praying, studying God’s Word, and connecting with genuine believers.

• Do not be deceived by false grace – true grace leads to holiness.

• Trust that God can preserve you – until the end.

“‘He who calls you is faithful; he will do it.’ (1 Thessalonians 5:24)”

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | Steps to Christ
Chapter 10—A Knowledge of God
Read online here

 

Commentary

Introduction

Chapter 10 is a profound call to recognize God’s nature, actions, and love in creation, in His Word, and in our own lives. Creation, the Word of God, and the influence of the Holy Spirit are three central ways in which God connects with us. This reflection invites us to contemplate God’s glory and to know Him more deeply.

Commentary

1.God Reveals Himself in Nature
Nature constantly speaks of its Creator. Whoever has an open heart and a listening ear can hear the voice of God in creation. Jesus’ parables drawn from nature show how closely heaven and earth are connected. Nature is not only meant to be admired but also to be a teacher and a mediator between God and humanity.

2.God’s Care Is All-Encompassing
From the universe to the sparrow, from the palace to the simplest meal – God’s gaze rests on everyone. This all-embracing love is meant to free us from fear and lead us into deep peace.

3.The Glory to Come
The beauty we now see is only a faint reflection of what God has prepared for those who love Him. The hope of a world without sin and death brings comfort and perspective.

4.The Bible as a Source of Knowledge
God speaks to us through His Word. In it, Christ is revealed. The Holy Spirit helps us to understand these truths. Scripture is clear, accessible, and intended for everyone. But it is not surface reading, rather deep study that brings true understanding.

5.The Effect of the Word on Our Lives
Just as natural food strengthens the body, the Word of God strengthens our spiritual life. Meditation, prayer, and the Holy Spirit work together to transform our character and make us more like Christ.

Summary

God reveals Himself in many ways – through nature, through His Word, and through the Holy Spirit. Those who are willing to listen will recognize His voice. The Bible is the clearest expression of His will. Only through deep study, prayer, and humility can we truly grasp God’s nature. His love is evident in His care for both the smallest and the greatest. Reflecting on these truths leads to the transformation of our hearts.

Message for Us Today

• Be attentive to God’s voice in nature and in everyday life.

• Take time for God’s Word and study it with dedication.

• Ask the Holy Spirit for understanding and guidance.

• Let God’s care comfort and guide you.

• Live with your eyes fixed on the glory to come.

God’s knowledge is not secret wisdom but an invitation to relationship.
Whoever seeks will find. Whoever listens will understand. And whoever believes will be transformed.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/25-03-2025-jude-chapter-1-believe-his-prophets/