The Cross and God’s Law and Commands

One of the more troubling aspects of Christianity has been the idea that because salvation isn’t by works but faith in Jesus Christ and His work on the cross, that we no longer are required to obey the laws of God as revealed in the Bible.

This is easily refuted. Here’s the most clear and unmistakable refutation of the idea:

1 John 2:2-4

2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

In verse 2 it reiterates the fact that Jesus is the propitiation for our sins but follows up with the equal fact that salvation will be accompanied by keeping His commandments.

We aren’t saved by obedience to God’s laws, but obedience to His commands confirms we know Him. Not only that, but those that don’t keep His commandments are called out as liars, with no truth in them.

Romans 3: 28-31

28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:

30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.

31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

The point of all this, and many other scriptures is, we aren’t justified by works or obedience to the law, but when the Spirit of God takes up residence within us, He empowers us to walk in obedience to God’s commands; it’s the fruit of salvation, not the means of salvation.

According to John in the Scriptures above, if we aren’t walking in obedience to God’s laws and commands, we don’t know Him, i.e., we’re not regenerated, saved, or born again.

Faith in Jesus Christ justifies us before God and will result in us walking in obedience to His commands and laws.