The law in Paul’s Epistles is not the way to justification, but it remains God’s holy standard.
In New Testament soteriology, Paul does not set law and grace against each other as enemies, but the attempt to be saved by works against God’s gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
When Paul’s epistles are read superficially, it may seem that the apostle speaks about the law inconsistently. In one place he calls the law holy, just, and good, and in another he insists that by the works of the law no one will be justified. Yet at the very center of his theology stands a very clear thought: the problem is not in God’s law, but in sinful humanity, which tries to use the law as a means of self-salvation. That is why for Paul the law has an important place, but not on the Savior’s throne. That throne belongs to Christ alone.
What does Paul mean by the word “law”
In Paul’s Epistles, the word “law” can mean different things. Sometimes it refers to God’s moral law, expressed in the commandments. Sometimes it refers to the broader Mosaic system, which included ceremonies, sacrifices, circumcision, and ritual regulations. In other texts, Paul uses the word “law” in the sense of a principle or force, such as the “law of sin.” Therefore, correct interpretation depends on the context.
For the Adventist understanding, this is especially important: Paul does not abolish God’s moral law, but shows the limitations of the law as a means of justification. What cannot save is not necessarily abolished. The law does not give righteousness; it reveals the need for it.
The law does not justify, but reveals sin
Paul clearly teaches that a sinner cannot be justified before God by his own obedience. The reason is not imperfection in the law, but the corruption of the human heart. The law reveals the standard of holiness, but it cannot change human nature.
“Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” Rom. 3:20
“But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe.” Rom 3:21–22
In these texts Paul does not belittle the law. On the contrary, he shows its true function: the law gives the correct diagnosis, but it is not the medicine. It reveals guilt, but does not remove it. Justification comes not through human merit, but through God’s righteousness given in Christ.
Ellen White expressed this thought very harmoniously with Paul: the law cannot forgive the transgressor, but it leads him to Christ, who forgives and renews. Therefore, there is no contradiction between the law and the gospel; they fulfill different but harmonious roles in God’s plan of salvation.
The law as a tutor to Christ
One of the most important functions of the law in Paul’s soteriology is pedagogical. The law does not save, but brings a person to the awareness of his own helplessness and need for a Savior.
“What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, ‘You shall not covet.’” Rom 7:7
“Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good.” Rom. 7:12
"Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith." Gal. 3:24
The image of a "tutor" shows the temporary and guiding role of the law in the experience of a sinner. The law leads not to self-confidence, but to repentance. When a person honestly looks at himself in the light of God's requirements, he stops trusting himself and begins to seek mercy in Christ. It is in this sense that the law serves the gospel.
Does faith abolish the law
After proclaiming justification by faith, Paul asks a natural question: does this mean that the law no longer matters? His answer is categorical.
"Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law." Rom. 3:31
For Paul, faith does not destroy the law but puts it in its proper place. The law is no longer a ladder to heaven, but it remains a revelation of God's character. A Christian justified by faith does not live in lawlessness. Grace does not give permission to sin; it gives a new heart for obedience.
That is why Paul also writes about the inward work of the Holy Spirit, who makes new life possible. The New Covenant does not lower God's standard, but writes God's will in the believer's heart. In Adventist theology, this is especially connected with the continuing validity of the moral law, including the principles of the Decalogue.
The place of the law in the life of the saved
In New Testament soteriology, the law is not the root of salvation, but it becomes the fruit of a saved life. We do not obey in order to be accepted; we obey because we are already accepted in Christ. Obedience is not the cause of salvation, but its result.
"For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit." Rom. 8:3–4
Here Paul brings justification and sanctification together. Christ does what the law by itself cannot do: He delivers a person from condemnation and gives power to live a new life. Therefore, in Paul the law has ethical significance after conversion. It continues to be the standard of what is good, but now the believer serves God not out of fear or for self-justification, but out of love and by the power of the Spirit.
Conclusion.
Paul's teaching about the law is deeply Christ-centered. The law does not save, does not justify, and cannot replace Christ. But it is holy, good, and necessary, because it reveals sin, leads to repentance, points to the Savior, and outlines the moral life of the saved. New Testament soteriology does not reject the law, but subordinates it to the gospel.
Practically, this means the following: do not seek acceptance with God through your own merits, but do not diminish God's commandments either. Look at the law as a mirror that shows the need for Christ, and at Christ as the One who forgives, justifies, and gives power to live in obedience. Each day ask God that His grace would not only cover your guilt, but also transform your heart to live according to His will.
