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The Law, as a set of God’s regulations in the Bible was and is good. It was given by God and Jesus was raised under it. He obeyed it and commanded others to obey. Jesus did not oppose God’s Law. He upheld its true intentions and was against its wrong usage by the teachers-leaders of His days.

How was and is the Law good? First, it is an expression of God’s character and will. Through the Law given by God to Israel, He showed to mankind His righteous standards. These standards can be applied to people in all nations and in all eras. God is holy, and when He dwells among and in His people, His holiness requires them to keep separate from sin.

Second, the Law also showed the extent of man’s sinfulness. His life always fell short of God’s high standards. Still, he would receive God’s forgiveness when he acknowledged his sin and turned to God in simple faith. In Hebrews 11, we read that the Jews who were called righteous in the Bible did more than merely follow a set of rules under the Law. They acted in their great faith in God even when they did not fully experience His promise. In the same way, when the Law shows up a man’s sins today and he truly repents, he will receive God’s forgiveness.

The third way the Law was and is good is that God’s off-limits in it helped and will continue to help people to avoid the troubles of reckless sinful living. People’s lives have always been better – more peaceful, just and prosperous – whenever there was widespread obedience to God’s Law.

So, the Law is good if we use it properly but we will never receive forgiveness of sins through keeping it. We are saved only through faith in God, who in His grace, has chosen to forgive and accept us. Salvation is a gift of God but is not a reward for keeping the Law. However, when we have been saved by faith through God’s grace, we must seek to be holy as He is holy. Anytime we go around the off-limits in the Law, we must remember God’s loving purpose for including them. We will then thank God for His Law and for the way it will bless us. We must be willing to know and obey the good off-limits of God’s Law?