THE LAW WAS TOUGH, BUT GRACE IS EASY - Right? - by Paul M Hanssen

THE LAW WAS TOUGH, BUT GRACE IS EASY. Right?

By Paul M Hanssen

There is a common belief among New Testament Christians that living under the Law of Moses was extremely tough, but living under grace is easy. Well, let’s take a little look at that and see what living and walking in the period of the grace of God looks like.

In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter five, we read about a day when Jesus was teaching a gathering of His disciples. Matthew begins the account of this day by stating, “And He opened His mouth, and taught them.” Jesus began His message by expounding on the nine “blesseds.”

Further along in the same chapter, Jesus contrasts what the Law demanded with what He, the Living Word, requires. It is recorded five times that Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, but I say.” In other words, you have heard what the Old Covenant stated, but I, the one introducing the New Covenant, say something different. The New Covenant ushered in a new era and new order, with the grace of God as the central theme.

A close examination of the comparison between the old and the new reveals something truly remarkable: something that contradicts mainstream religious teachings and the belief that proclaims, “Live your life as you wish; you are under grace, so you are free.”

Let's look together at Matthew chapter five, starting from verse 21.

·      Vs. 21. The Law said, “Do not kill.” But Jesus said, “If you are angry with your brother without cause, you are in danger of judgment.”

·      Vs. 27. The Law said, “Do not commit adultery.” But Jesus said, ”Whosoever looks on a woman to lust after her has committed adultery in his heart.”

·      Vs. 33. The Law said, “Do not make false oaths or break an oath.” Jesus said, “Don’t make any oaths at all,” (meaning don’t make promises you cannot keep - it is dangerous to vow to God and not keep it.)

·      Vs. 38. The Law said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But Jesus said, “When you are smitten on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”

·      Vs. 43. The Law said, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor and hate thine enemy.” But Jesus said, “Love your enemies and bless them that curse you.”

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Reading the requirements and standards set by Jesus under the New Covenant makes us aware that without God's grace (which is the power of God to fulfill His will), we cannot fulfill what God asks of us. To assert that “living under God’s grace” is a “walk in the park,” with no boundaries, restrictions, or commands to follow, is a misconception and does not accurately reflect what living under the New Covenant entails.

The saints who lived under the Old Covenant did not possess what we, the believers of the New Covenant, have in Christ Jesus. They did not have access to the resurrected blood of the Lamb, but we do. They were without the indwelling of the Holy Ghost, but we have that. They did not have the sixty-six books of the Bible to guide them, but we do. They did not possess the revelation and power of the Name of Jesus, but we possess both.

The Law of God under the Old Covenant focused on man's outward deeds, actions, and works. However, under the New Covenant of grace, we not only need to deal with that which is outward but, more importantly, that which is within: our inner thoughts, feelings, emotions, and desires. To accomplish and live in alignment with God’s will, we have been given all the tools necessary to fulfill His purpose. Under grace, we have been given the most incredible power to walk in victory within and without. We have heard what the Law said, but have we heard what the Living Law of Liberty says through His Word today?

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world. (Titus 2:11-12)

The same grace that saves us teaches us how to live godly, morally clean lives both within and without. Through the power of His grace, we can live soberly, righteously, and free from worldly lusts that easily overtake humanity in today's sin-sick world. This is a true and genuine representation of God’s grace! We can accomplish all things because His grace is sufficient!

Yes, living under the Law was tough because humanity lacked the power to fulfill it. However, living under grace requires commitment, obedience, and sacrifice, achievable only through what we have received in and by Him! Therefore, I echo the words of the Apostle Paul, “But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.”  (1 Corinthians 15:10)

Living under the Law was tough, but the yoke of living under grace is light, not because God doesn’t require anything of us, but because He has provided everything we need to fulfill His will and purpose!

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me… (Matthew 11:29)