It is necessary for the body of Christ to understand the purpose of the Law of Moses. Scripture tells us that it is by the law that we are given the knowledge of sin (Romans 3:19,20). The law can only declare a man guilty, but it can do nothing to change that condition.
The true interpretation of the law, as taught by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew, chapters 5-7), clearly reveals that obedience to the law is something that is deeper than outward actions. The law of God is meant to penetrate our thoughts and the intents of our hearts, and in doing so, it reveals our depraved condition and the need of the grace and mercy of God. The law is holy indeed (Romans 7:12), but in my flesh, there dwells no ability to keep that law, no matter how hard I try (Romans 7:18).
The law leaves no room for error (James 2:10,11), and there is not a shred of saving grace in the law. The good news is that Jesus Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, which demands absolute obedience with no allowance for a slip-up (Galatians 3:10-13). The truth about the law is that is was never meant to save us; it was meant to point us to Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:24,25). The law was a shadow of what Jesus would come to fulfill (Hebrews, chapters 8-10).
When a person turns to Jesus Christ in faith as Lord of their life, the Spirit of God writes the law of God that was once upon tablets of stone, into their heart (2 Corinthians 3:3). Walking with Jesus is not a legal matter. It is a love affair.
