In verse 14, Paul had explained that if salvation were based on us upholding, or adhering to a law or command from God, then faith is null and void. What then, is the purpose of the law, if we are unable to gain salvation by obeying it? In order to understand clearly the purpose of the law, we will take a look at some of Paul's previous comments, and how they give us insight into verse 15 of Chapter 4.
For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. Romans 3:20
Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law. Romans 3:31
For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression. Romans 4:15
Paul spends a lot more time explaining the law, it's purpose, it's importance, and many more aspects in his writings. I think, though, that these three verses, two of which we have already covered in this study, will allow us to understand what God was revealing to us about His laws and commands.
First, I think it is important that we realize what the law does. Verse 20 of Chapter 3 tells us that through the law comes knowledge of sin. Verse 15 in Chapter 4 echoes that by saying that if there were no law, there would be no transgression, or violation of the law.
Through His laws and commands - both Old Testament and New, God has revealed to us His character, even writing it on our hearts:
They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them Romans 2:15
By revealing who He is, God has revealed to us our inability to be perfectly like Him - which is so important for us to grasp. In 1 John 5:17, we read that all unrighteousness or wrongdoing is sin. From the slightest thought to the biggest action, anything that is not perfect according to God's character, as revealed through His laws and commands, is sinful.
We can see, clearly, that we are in a desperate situation since God cannot and will not tolerate any sin in His presence - ever.
Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear. Isa 59:1,2
For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you. The boastful shall not stand before your eyes; you hate all evildoers. You destroy those who speak lies; the LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man. Psalm 5:4-6
Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6:9,10
But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life. Rev. 21:27
We can see from these passages that the Bible is very clear that God will never tolerate sin in His presence. For Him to do so, He would have to cease being perfect, and, as a result, cease being God.
When we realize that, by revealing His perfect character through His laws and commands God has revealed our sinfulness, we can understand what Paul means when he says that the law brings knowledge of sin, and the law brings wrath. If God didn't reveal the requirement (perfection) to be in His presence, we would never know what we were guilty of.
This is why Paul says the law is not overthrown by the preaching of the gospel, which says salvation comes by faith alone - NOT by works of the law...because the law was never meant to provide a means for salvation.
The purpose of the law was ALWAYS meant to reveal our inability to perfectly live up to God's character, and in turn reveals our desperate need for a Savior.
This initial, and true purpose of the law still stands, and is not affected by the truth that we are saved apart from the law.
In summary, the Bible tells us that the law reveals to us what is sin by revealing what is not sin - which is God's character. Through His laws and commands, God has allowed us to know what does and doesn't glorify Him. When we take a look at what these laws and commands are, in light of how they reveal God's character, we should immediately see that we could never keep these perfectly - especially the greatest commandment, love God with all of your being. By revealing our inabilities to us, the law has given us knowledge of our sinfulness, and at the same time condemned us for our sin.
This is the purpose of the law.
Thankfully, our God steps in and displays His love through a gospel that says if you have faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior, meaning reliance on Him alone for salvation, if you believe in Him - which is revealed through your following, submitting, and trusting Him, then you are saved from the condemnation that is your just penalty for your transgressions.
We are then covered in the perfect righteousness of Christ, which allows us to be in the presence of God through a restored relationship today, and in His actual presence when we are transferred from this life to the next someday! God no longer sees our sin, but His Son's perfect righteousness...Hallelujah!
Father, thank You so much for Your Son taking our place, knowing that we would never be able to satisify perfectly your commands, that we would never be able to measure up to You, and would never be able to enjoy the amazing blessing of being in Your presence...yet you had compassion on us. You truly are the definition of perfect, selfless love! Help us to display this love to those around us, that we might be a light for You!
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