Law and Grace: Jesus vs. Paul? - Cecil Maranville

One of the clearest examples of Jesus’ teaching on law and grace is the account of the adulteress brought before Him (John 8:1-11). When pressed to judge her, Jesus responded, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first” (verse 7). The accusers left, and Jesus, the only sinless one, pardoned her, saying, “Go and sin no more” (verse 11).

This demonstrates both grace—pardoning the woman from the death penalty she deserved—and the law, as Jesus called her to repent and change her ways. Grace did not remove the expectation of living by God’s commandments.

Jesus consistently upheld the law, teaching that salvation requires keeping God’s standards (Matthew 19:16-21) and personally obeying the Ten Commandments, including observing the Sabbath (Luke 4:16). However, He emphasized that obedience alone does not earn salvation. Instead, God’s law provides a standard of behavior for His children to follow.

When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus summarized the Ten Commandments as loving God and loving others (Matthew 22:37-39). He did not abolish the law but magnified it (Matthew 5:17-19).

Paul echoed Christ’s teaching, stating that grace does not nullify the law: “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not!” (Romans 6:1-2). He warned against distorting Christ’s message, declaring, “If anyone preaches any other gospel… let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8-9).

As a loving father sets rules for his children’s good, God’s law serves to guide and protect us. His grace forgives our sins, not so we can continue in them, but so we can realign with His standards. Law and grace work together in harmony as part of God’s plan for His family.

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