The Law in the Epistles of Paul and Its Place in New Testament Soteriology

The law in the Epistles of Paul is not the path to justification, but it remains God’s holy standard. In New Testament soteriology, Paul does not contrast law and grace as enemies, but rather contrasts the attempt to be saved by works with God's gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

When reading Paul's epistles superficially, one might get the impression that the apostle speaks about the law in contradictory terms. In one place, he calls the law holy, righteous, and good, while in another, he insists that no human being will be justified by the works of the law. However, at the very center of his theology lies a very clear thought: the problem is not with God's law, but with sinful humanity, who attempts 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 Paul Means 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 ordinances. In other texts, Paul uses the word “law” in the sense of a principle or power, such as “the law of sin.” Therefore, a correct interpretation depends on the context.

For an Adventist understanding, this is especially significant: Paul does not abolish God's moral law, but shows the limitation of the law as a means of justification. That which cannot save is not necessarily abolished. The law does not impart righteousness; it reveals the need for it.

The Law Does Not Justify, but Reveals Sin

Paul unequivocally teaches that a sinner cannot be justified before God by their own obedience. The reason lies not in any imperfection of the law, but in 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 passages, Paul does not demean the law. On the contrary, he shows its true function: the law makes a 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, freely given in Christ.

Ellen White expressed this thought in profound harmony with Paul: the law cannot forgive the transgressor, but it leads them to Christ, who forgives and renews. Thus, there is no contradiction between the law and the Gospel; they fulfill different, yet 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 Pauline soteriology is pedagogical. The law does not save, but it brings a person to realize their 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” (or schoolmaster) illustrates the temporary and guiding role of the law in the sinner's experience. The law does not lead to self-confidence, but to repentance. When someone attempts to look at themselves honestly in the light of God's demands, they cease to trust in themselves and begin to seek mercy in Christ. It is in this exact sense that the law serves the Gospel.

Does Faith Abolish the Law?

After proclaiming justification by faith, Paul raises a natural question: does this mean that the law no longer matters? His answer is emphatic.

“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 places it in its proper position. The law is no longer a ladder to heaven, but it remains the revelation of God's character. A Christian justified by faith does not live in lawlessness. Grace does not grant a license to sin; it gives a new heart for obedience.

This is why Paul also writes about the inner working of the Holy Spirit, who makes a new life possible. The New Covenant does not lower God's standard, but writes God's will upon the heart of the believer. In Adventist theology, this is intrinsically linked to the perpetuity of the moral law, including the principles of the Decalogue.

The Place of the Law in the Life of the Redeemed

In New Testament soteriology, the law is not the root of salvation, but 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 consequence.

“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 connects justification and sanctification. Christ does what the law in itself cannot do: He frees the individual from condemnation and gives the power to live a new life. Thus, for Paul, the law retains its 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 on the law is deeply Christocentric. The law does not save, does not justify, and cannot replace Christ. Yet it is holy, good, and necessary, because it exposes sin, leads to repentance, points to the Savior, and outlines the moral life of the redeemed. New Testament soteriology does not discard the law, but subordinates it to the Gospel.

In practical terms, this means: do not seek acceptance with God through your own merits, yet do not undervalue God's commandments. Look at the law as a mirror reflecting your need for Christ, and look to Christ as the One who forgives, justifies, and empowers you to live in obedience. Pray daily that His grace will not only cover your guilt, but also transform your heart to live according to His will.