Did Paul Really Give You a Free Pass on God’s Commandments?

The study of Paul’s New Testament teachings prompts Christians and scholars to question whether obedience to God’s commandments remains essential. Paul’s extensive discussions on the law (works of the law) and faith led some people to believe that God’s commandments were not required under the grace-filled new covenant according to his writings.

I have gathered important Bible verses where Paul discusses this topic to support my exploration. The selected verses elucidate Paul’s teachings about how grace and faith function alongside the law (works of the law). We will analyze these scriptures to reveal the lessons they offer below. For a more in-depth teaching Paul’s teaching regarding the law, please check out Paul’s Teaching On The Law – An Introduction

Ephesians 2:8-9 – Salvation by Grace Through Faith

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Lesson:

According to Paul, the gift of salvation comes from the one true God and is received through faith without requiring works or obedience to the ‘works of the law’ of God. For clarification of the ‘works of the law’ – please see Paul’s Teaching Clarified

Paul maintained that the law serves to direct virtuous conduct and demonstrates the need for God’s grace. Paul held that grace surpasses perfect obedience to the ‘works of the law’ as the essential pathway to salvation. Paul believed that believers achieve a proper relationship with God through their faith in Jesus instead of their own works or by ‘works of the law’.

Romans 6:14 – “Under Grace, Not the Law”

“For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.”

Lesson:

Paul clearly distinguishes between living under the law (works of the law) and living under grace. He teaches that Christians are no longer bound by the ‘works of the law’ as a means of achieving righteousness. Instead, grace empowers believers to live free from sin. This verse is often interpreted as signaling a shift from strict legalism toward a faith-centered relationship with God.

Galatians 2:16 – Justified by Faith, Not by the Law

“…a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.”

Lesson:

Here, Paul reiterates the idea that justification (being declared righteous before God) is not achieved through adherence to the “works of the law” but through faith in Jesus Christ. While the law serves an important purpose, Paul underscores its inability to save us from sin. Faith in Jesus is the only means of justification.

Romans 3:28 – Justification by Faith

“For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.”

Lesson:

Paul’s argument is clear and consistent in this verse. Obedience to the law (works of the law) is not the foundation of our right standing before God. He shifts the focus to justification by faith alone, which transcends the legalistic requirement to perfectly obey God’s commandments.

Colossians 2:14 – Christ Fulfilled the Law

“Having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.”

Lesson:

Paul teaches that Christ’s sacrifice effectively fulfilled the requirements of the law (works of the law) and removed the burden of legal condemnation. The obedience once demanded under the law is now reinterpreted in light of Jesus’ atoning work on the cross. This underscores a significant theological shift away from legalism.

Galatians 3:24-25 – The Law as a Guardian

“So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.”

Lesson:

Paul describes the law (works of the law) as a temporary guardian meant to lead people to Christ. Once Christ fulfills the law’s purpose, believers are no longer under its restrictions. Instead, they are guided by faith in Jesus.

Romans 10:4 – Christ as the Fulfillment of the Law

“Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.”

Lesson:

Paul presents Christ as the ultimate fulfillment or culmination of the law (works of the law) . This means that through belief in Jesus, righteousness is achievable without the necessity of adhering to the commandments in the traditional, legalistic sense.

Galatians 5:4 – Falling Away from Grace

“You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.”

Lesson:

Paul strongly warns that relying on obedience to the law (works of the law) for justification alienates believers from grace. This powerful statement underscores the futility of legalism in the believer’s life and reaffirms that grace is paramount.

Romans 7:6 – Released from the Law

“But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.”

Lesson:

Paul teaches that believers are no longer bound by the written code of the law (works of the law) but are called to serve in the Spirit. This spiritual service transcends mere rule-following and focuses on a personal, faith-driven relationship with God.

Paul’s Teachings Clarified

Paul clearly taught that the “works of the law” cannot save or justify anyone; only faith has the power to save. However, it is through being “doers of the law” in Romans 2:13. By actively obeying God’s commands, being justified, we continue the process of sanctification, in alignment with the teachings of James.

Paul consistently upheld that the (book of the covenant) found in Exodus 20:22-23:19 had God’s commandments with better promises. Paul taught that faith in Christ fulfills the (book of the law) and its greater purpose. Galatians 3 articulates that the “works of the law”, from the “book of the law” served as a tutor leading to faith in Christ. For clarification of the ‘works of the law’, ‘the book of the covenant’, and ‘the book of the law’, please check out Paul’s Teaching On The Law.

The ‘Book of The Law’ and The ‘Book of The Covenant’ – Introduction

The book of the covenant is different than the book of the law. The book of the covenant has no curses: The book of the law has curses. The book of the law was added 40 + days later than the book of the covenant, on one of the 10 trips Moses made up the Mountain. Paul taught that the book of the law was going away, and the book of the covenant would remain and the commandments within the book of the covenant, not the book of the law would still remain, therefore, Paul taught that we should continue to obey the commandments found in the book of the covenant as Paul reiterated in (Romans 2:13) “For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified “, and (1 Corinthians 7:19) “what truly matters is keeping God’s commandments”

Lost Writings

Some of Paul’s writings mentioned in the New Testament have been lost over time or were never canonized. References are made in Colossians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 5:9; 2 Corinthians 2:4 and 2:9, 2 Corinthians 7:8-9 and 7:12; Ephesians 3:3-4 to prior correspondences or additional letters, such as the one to the Laodiceans, that we simply no longer have copies. As it was common practice to circulate letters such as these between multiple congregations, we may never know this side of heaven just how many communications went out to the various early church body.

Paul Misunderstood

Many people misinterpret Paul’s teachings, assuming he advocated for “faith alone” for salvation, justification, and sanctification. However, Paul never used the phrase – “‘faith alone” in any of his writings. Paul’s usage of “works of the law” is different than obedience to the law or obey God’s commands. Paul taught that obedience is what leads to righteousness in Romans 6:16.

Our salvation begins with faith in the Lord Jesus Christ — this is the foundation, the starting line of the race, as Paul might describe it. However, it is through obedience to God’s commandments that we are sanctified, remaining righteous and aligned with the will of the Father. In 1 Corinthians 7:19, Paul emphasizes the importance of sanctification and makes it clear what truly counts: “Keeping God’s commandments is what counts”.

As stated earlier, some of Paul’s writings mentioned in the New Testament have been lost or were never canonized. Several references point to these missing letters, such as those found in Colossians 4:16, 1 Corinthians 5:9, 2 Corinthians 2:4, 2 Corinthians 2:9, 2 Corinthians 7:8-9, 2 Corinthians 7:12, and Ephesians 3:3-4.

Paul’s Teachings on the Abolition of the Law

Paul taught that faith in Jesus does not abolish the God’s commandments but establishes them in the believer’s heart through the Spirit (Romans 3:31). The Spirit of God empowers those who are born again to live righteously — not as a way to earn salvation, but as a heartfelt response to their love for God. This love is demonstrated through faithful obedience to His commands.

Paul’s missing letters reference earlier correspondences or additional letters that were exchanged but have since been lost. One such missing letter is believed to have been written to the Laodiceans, which is mentioned but has not survived. These gaps in the historical record leave us wondering about the content and context of these letters and their potential significance to the communities they addressed.

Hopeful Thoughts

Paul’s teachings remind us of the profound freedom we have in Christ. Obedience to God’s commandments, as taught in the Old Testament, is no longer the basis of salvation. Instead, faith and grace take center stage. This shift challenges believers to deepen their relationship with Christ and live not for legal compliance but for the Spirit-led transformation of their hearts and lives.

What are your thoughts on Paul’s teachings about the law (works of the law) and grace? Share your insights in the comments below!

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