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Which Came First: Law or Grace?
Not too long ago, I received an email from an acquaintance who had asked me about how to share the Gospel with those who are unsaved. When I told her about using the Law of Moses to make people aware of their sin, she immediately was offended at the idea of offending someone.
To explain why I told her to use the law, I’ll tell it in story form.
If a cop pulls you over and gives you a ticket but doesn’t tell you why, I’d venture to guess that it would tick you off.
But if the cop pulls you over, shows you the radar gun which clearly indicates that you were doing 55 mph in a 25 mph zone, one could surmise that there’s a tremendous possibility that you are guilty. It still might make you mad, but you were the one speeding…
It’s the same with the Law (Ten Commandments.) If you don’t know what they are, then it’s likely that someone telling you that you’re a sinner and that you’re going to face judgment one day won’t be very effective (And it’ll tick you off.)
However, if they make you aware of why you’re a sinner through the Law, it opens your eyes. Again, it still might make you mad, but you are the one sinning.
Any other way is like putting the cart before the horse. Everyone can easily see that the horse can’t possibly pull the cart if it is standing behind it. We all know that the horse goes first in order to make way for the cart. Again, same with the Law and it’s relevance the Gospel. If we give them the Gospel (Good News about Jesus’ death and resurrection) first, it won’t make sense and it’ll appear to the listener that we’re spinning a fairy tale.
But, if we share with them the eye-opening mirror of the Law first, it paves the way to share the good news of the Gospel with them.
Jesus spoke Law to the proud and through His death, willingly gives grace to the humble.
To my Christian friends: If we are to effectively share the Gospel, we must make sinners aware of their sin. Don’t make the mistake of not witnessing because you don’t want to offend someone by sharing the Law with them.
After all, isn’t that how we became aware of our own sins?
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Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your many blessings, and help me to be content with Your daily provision in my life. May we all be content with Your daily provisions. Thank You for Your wonderful gifts of love, joy and peace, which cannot be purchased with any amount of money. I am most grateful. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
ANGEL BLESSINGS TO YOU, MY FRIEND! MAY THE HOLY ANGELS SURROUND YOU WITH THEIR LOVE AND PEACE.
