Keith Mack
The notion that when Jesus comes we go back under the law is a contentious theological concept that sparks debate among Christian denominations. This idea suggests that upon Jesus' second coming, believers will revert to adhering strictly to the Mosaic Law, as outlined in the Old Testament. However, this perspective is often challenged by those who argue that Jesus' sacrifice and the establishment of the New Covenant fulfilled and superseded the Law, emphasizing grace and faith over legalistic observance. This divergence in interpretation highlights the complexity of understanding the relationship between the Old and New Testaments and the implications for Christian living in anticipation of Christ's return.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Biblical Basis | Primarily based on interpretations of Matthew 5:17-19, where Jesus says He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it. Some interpret this as a continuation or reinstatement of Old Testament Law upon His return. |
| Theological Perspective | Associated with Covenant Theology, which views the Mosaic Law as still applicable in some form for believers, though often distinguished between moral, ceremonial, and civil laws. |
| Eschatological View | Linked to eschatological beliefs about the Second Coming of Christ, suggesting a restoration of Law-based practices during the millennial kingdom. |
| Moral Law vs. Ceremonial Law | Distinguishes between the enduring moral principles of the Law (e.g., Ten Commandments) and ceremonial laws (e.g., sacrifices, dietary restrictions), which are often considered fulfilled in Christ. |
| Grace vs. Law | Contrasts with the doctrine of justification by faith alone (sola fide), emphasizing grace over strict adherence to the Law for salvation. |
| Denominational Views | More prevalent in certain denominations like Seventh-day Adventists, who emphasize Sabbath observance and other Law-based practices, though interpretations vary widely. |
| Criticism | Critics argue this view undermines the New Covenant teachings of grace and freedom from the Law (e.g., Romans 6:14, Galatians 3:13). |
| Practical Implications | May influence beliefs about Sabbath observance, dietary laws, and other practices, depending on interpretation. |
| Scriptural Counterarguments | Verses like Romans 10:4 and Galatians 5:18 emphasize freedom from the Law as a yoke, suggesting it is not reinstated in the same way. |
| Cultural Impact | Influences debates on Christian living, legalism, and the role of Old Testament practices in modern faith. |
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What You'll Learn
- Old Covenant vs. New Covenant: Understanding the shift from Mosaic Law to grace through Jesus
- Law as Tutor: The role of the Law in leading humanity to Christ
- Freedom in Christ: How Jesus fulfills the Law, offering liberty from its demands
- Living by the Spirit: The Spirit’s guidance replacing legalistic adherence to the Law
- Judgment and Grace: Balancing God’s righteousness with His mercy in Jesus’ return
Old Covenant vs. New Covenant: Understanding the shift from Mosaic Law to grace through Jesus
The concept of the Old Covenant versus the New Covenant is central to understanding the shift from the Mosaic Law to the grace brought by Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant, established between God and the Israelites through Moses, was characterized by a set of laws and regulations outlined in the Torah. These laws governed every aspect of life, from religious rituals to moral conduct, and were given to guide the Israelites in their relationship with God. However, the Old Covenant was conditional, requiring strict adherence to the law for righteousness. This system often highlighted human failure and the inability to achieve perfection, as seen in Romans 3:23, which states, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
With the coming of Jesus Christ, the New Covenant was introduced, marking a profound shift in how humanity relates to God. Jesus fulfilled the Old Covenant's requirements and inaugurated a new era of grace. Hebrews 8:6-7 explains, "But the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, and it is founded on better promises." The New Covenant is not based on external adherence to laws but on an internal transformation of the heart. Through Jesus' sacrifice, believers are justified by faith, not by works of the law (Romans 3:28). This grace-based relationship frees individuals from the burden of legalism, emphasizing a personal, intimate connection with God.
A common misconception is the idea that Jesus' coming reinstates the Old Covenant or places believers back under the law. This notion contradicts the teachings of the New Testament. In Galatians 3:13, Paul clarifies, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: 'Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.'" Jesus fulfilled the law's demands, rendering it no longer the basis for salvation. Instead, believers are called to live by the Spirit, who produces love, joy, peace, and other fruits (Galatians 5:22-23). The law served as a tutor leading to Christ, but now, under grace, believers are no longer under its condemnation (Galatians 3:24-25).
The shift from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant also redefines how believers understand righteousness. Under the Old Covenant, righteousness was achieved through obedience to the law. However, the New Covenant reveals that righteousness is a gift received through faith in Jesus Christ. Romans 5:17 states, "For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ." This righteousness is not earned but bestowed, reflecting God's unmerited favor.
Finally, the New Covenant brings a promise of eternal security and a transformed heart. Jeremiah 31:33-34 prophesied, "This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people." Unlike the external nature of the Old Covenant, the New Covenant involves an internal change, where God's Spirit dwells within believers, enabling them to live in accordance with His will. This fulfills the purpose of the law without reverting to its legalistic framework, as Jesus Himself stated, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them" (Matthew 5:17). Understanding this shift is crucial for grasping the freedom and grace offered through Jesus Christ.
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Law as Tutor: The role of the Law in leading humanity to Christ
The concept of the Law as a tutor is a profound theological idea, particularly when exploring the relationship between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant in Christ. The Law, given to Moses, served as a guide and teacher, revealing God's standards of righteousness and humanity's inability to attain them apart from divine grace. In this sense, the Law acted as a mirror, reflecting our moral shortcomings and pointing us toward our need for a Savior. This is where the idea of "when Jesus comes, we go back under the Law" can be misunderstood. It’s not that Jesus’ coming reinstates the legalistic adherence to the Law, but rather, He fulfills the Law, revealing its ultimate purpose: to lead humanity to Him.
The Law, as a tutor, prepares the heart for Christ by exposing sin and creating a longing for redemption. Galatians 3:24 states, "So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith." Here, the Law is likened to a disciplinarian who leads us to Christ, the source of true freedom and righteousness. It was never intended to save us but to show us our need for salvation. When Jesus came, He did not abolish the Law but fulfilled it (Matthew 5:17), demonstrating that the Law’s purpose was always to point to Him as the embodiment of God’s perfect righteousness. Thus, the Law’s role as tutor is not negated but completed in Christ.
Some argue that Jesus’ coming reinstates the Law, but this perspective overlooks the transformative nature of His work. Under the New Covenant, the Law is written not on tablets of stone but on the hearts of believers (Jeremiah 31:33). This internalization of the Law is made possible by the Holy Spirit, who enables us to live in accordance with God’s will, not out of obligation but out of love. The Law, as a tutor, has led us to Christ, and in Him, we find the grace and power to live in a way that honors God, not as a means of earning salvation but as a response to His mercy.
Furthermore, the idea that we "go back under the Law" when Jesus comes misunderstands the nature of grace. Romans 6:14 declares, "For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace." This does not mean the Law is irrelevant but that it no longer condemns us. Instead, it guides us as those who have been redeemed by Christ. The Law’s role as tutor is fulfilled in the believer’s union with Christ, where its principles are lived out through the Spirit’s work, not through legalistic striving.
In conclusion, the Law as tutor plays a vital role in leading humanity to Christ by revealing our sin, creating a need for redemption, and pointing us to the Savior who fulfills its demands. When Jesus came, He did not return us to a state of legalism but ushered us into a new era where the Law’s purpose is realized in the hearts of those who trust Him. Thus, the Law remains a guide, not as a means of justification, but as a reflection of God’s character, lived out in the lives of those who are in Christ. This understanding aligns with the biblical narrative, where the Law serves as a tutor leading us to the ultimate fulfillment found in Jesus Christ.
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Freedom in Christ: How Jesus fulfills the Law, offering liberty from its demands
The idea that "when Jesus comes, we go back under the law" is a misconception that stems from a misunderstanding of the relationship between Jesus Christ, the Law of Moses, and the freedom He offers. In reality, Jesus did not come to reinstate the legalistic demands of the Old Testament law but to fulfill it, thereby offering a new covenant of grace and liberty. This freedom in Christ is not a return to legalism but a release from its burdensome requirements. The apostle Paul emphasizes this in Galatians 5:1, saying, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Here, Paul warns against reverting to a law-based righteousness, which cannot justify or sanctify believers.
Jesus fulfills the Law in a way that transcends its external demands by addressing the heart of the matter—the human heart itself. In Matthew 5:17, Jesus declares, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." His fulfillment of the Law is not a mere repetition of its rules but a perfect embodiment of its spirit. By living a sinless life and dying on the cross, Jesus satisfied the Law's requirements, paying the penalty for sin and breaking its curse (Galatians 3:13). Through His sacrifice, believers are no longer under the Law's condemnation but are justified by faith (Romans 3:24). This fulfillment liberates us from the Law's demands, not by dismissing its moral principles, but by enabling us to live righteously through the power of the Holy Spirit.
The freedom in Christ is not a license to sin but a call to live in righteousness, empowered by His grace. Romans 6:14 states, "For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace." Being free from the Law means we are no longer bound to its external rituals and regulations but are instead guided by the internal transformation wrought by the Spirit. The Law, given through Moses, was a tutor leading us to Christ (Galatians 3:24). Now that faith in Christ has come, we are no longer under a tutor but are children of God, heirs of His promises. This freedom allows us to love God and others genuinely, not out of obligation but out of gratitude for the salvation we have received.
One of the most profound aspects of freedom in Christ is the liberty from the Law's inability to save or sanctify. The Law reveals sin but cannot provide the power to overcome it (Romans 7:7-24). Jesus, however, offers not only forgiveness but also the indwelling Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to live holy lives. This is the essence of the new covenant described in Jeremiah 31:33, where God promises to write His laws on our hearts, enabling us to obey Him from within. In Christ, we are no longer striving to earn righteousness through works but are living out of the righteousness He has already provided (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Finally, the freedom in Christ is a call to live in the fullness of His grace, not in fear of legalism. When we understand that Jesus has fulfilled the Law, we are freed from the anxiety of measuring up to its demands. Instead, we are invited into a relationship with God based on love and trust. As Paul writes in Romans 8:1, "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." This assurance allows us to walk in the Spirit, bearing the fruit of righteousness that the Law could never produce (Galatians 5:22-23). In Christ, we are not going back under the Law but are experiencing the true freedom He came to give—a freedom that transforms us from the inside out.
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Living by the Spirit: The Spirit’s guidance replacing legalistic adherence to the Law
The idea that "when Jesus comes, we go back under the law" is a misconception that stems from a misunderstanding of the relationship between the Law, grace, and the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. In reality, the coming of Jesus marked a transition from legalistic adherence to the Law to living by the Spirit. The Law, given through Moses, served as a tutor to lead humanity to Christ (Galatians 3:24). However, with the arrival of Jesus, the fulfillment of the Law was realized, and believers are now called to live not by rigid rule-keeping but by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This shift is central to understanding the Christian life as one of freedom, not bondage.
Living by the Spirit involves a transformative relationship with God where the Holy Spirit becomes the internal guide, replacing external legalism. Romans 8:2 declares, "For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death." This freedom does not mean lawlessness but a life directed by love and the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). The Spirit empowers believers to fulfill the true intent of the Law—loving God and neighbor—without being enslaved by its letter. Legalism focuses on outward compliance, while the Spirit works on the heart, producing genuine righteousness.
The Spirit’s guidance is personal and dynamic, tailored to the individual and their circumstances. Unlike the Law, which is static and universal, the Spirit speaks to specific situations, leading believers into truth and wisdom (John 16:13). This does not negate moral principles but applies them with grace and discernment. For example, while the Law might dictate specific actions, the Spirit helps believers understand the underlying principles of love and justice, allowing for flexibility and compassion in their application. This is why Paul emphasizes, "For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God" (Romans 8:14), highlighting the intimate, father-child relationship fostered by the Spirit.
A key aspect of living by the Spirit is the contrast between legalism and grace. Legalism breeds self-righteousness and judgment, while the Spirit fosters humility and mercy. In Galatians 5:1, Paul urges believers, "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." This "yoke of slavery" refers to the burden of trying to earn righteousness through works of the Law. The Spirit, on the other hand, assures believers of their adoption and empowers them to live in a manner worthy of their calling (Ephesians 4:1). It is not about earning salvation but responding to the grace already received.
Finally, living by the Spirit is a continuous process of sanctification, where believers grow in Christlikeness. The Spirit convicts, teaches, and empowers, enabling believers to live in a way that honors God without reverting to legalistic patterns. This does not mean the Law is irrelevant; rather, its purpose is fulfilled in the life of a Spirit-led believer. As Jesus said, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments" (John 14:15), but this keeping is not out of obligation but out of a heart transformed by the Spirit. Thus, the Christian life is not a return to the Law but a life guided by the Spirit, who writes God’s laws on the heart (Jeremiah 31:33), making legalistic adherence obsolete.
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Judgment and Grace: Balancing God’s righteousness with His mercy in Jesus’ return
The concept of Jesus' return and its implications for believers often sparks discussions about the balance between God's judgment and His grace. Some argue that when Jesus comes again, we will revert to living under the law, but this perspective requires careful examination in light of Scripture. The New Testament clearly teaches that through Jesus' sacrifice, we are no longer under the law but under grace (Romans 6:14). However, this does not negate God's righteousness or His holy standards. Instead, it highlights that Jesus' return will be a time of ultimate judgment, where His grace and righteousness are fully revealed. The question then arises: how do we understand God's mercy and His justice in the context of Jesus' second coming?
God's righteousness demands justice for sin, as His holiness cannot tolerate iniquity. The Old Testament law served as a tutor, pointing humanity to their need for a Savior (Galatians 3:24). When Jesus came the first time, He fulfilled the law, not to abolish it but to complete it (Matthew 5:17). His death and resurrection inaugurated a new covenant, where grace abounds through faith in Him. Yet, this grace does not diminish God's righteous standards; rather, it provides the means for believers to live in accordance with His will through the Holy Spirit. When Jesus returns, His judgment will be a manifestation of God's righteousness, separating the just from the unjust (Matthew 25:31-46). This judgment underscores the seriousness of God's holiness and the consequences of rejecting His grace.
At the same time, Jesus' return is also a testament to God's boundless mercy. The grace offered through Christ is not a license to sin but a transformative power that enables believers to live righteously (Romans 6:1-2). When Jesus comes again, He will bring salvation to those who have trusted in Him, not because of their adherence to the law, but because of His atoning work on the cross. This balance between judgment and grace reflects God's character: He is both just and the justifier of those who believe (Romans 3:26). For believers, Jesus' return is not a return to legalism but a fulfillment of the promise that we will be made perfect in His sight through His grace.
Understanding this balance is crucial for the Church as it awaits Jesus' return. It calls believers to live in holiness, not out of fear of judgment, but out of gratitude for the grace that has been freely given. The law remains a reflection of God's moral character, but it is through the gospel that we are empowered to live in accordance with His will. As we anticipate Jesus' coming, we must embrace both the truth of His judgment and the assurance of His grace. This dual reality should motivate us to share the gospel with urgency, knowing that God's righteousness will be fully revealed, and His mercy will be extended to all who believe.
In conclusion, the idea that Jesus' return means going back under the law misrepresents the gospel. Instead, His coming will be a time when God's righteousness and mercy are perfectly harmonized. Judgment will fall on those who have rejected His grace, while salvation will be fully realized for those who have trusted in Christ. As believers, our focus should be on living in the light of this truth, allowing God's grace to shape our lives while acknowledging His righteous standards. In doing so, we prepare ourselves for the day when Jesus returns, not as a reversion to legalism, but as the culmination of His redemptive plan, where grace and justice kiss (Psalm 85:10).
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Frequently asked questions
No, the New Testament teaches that believers are under grace, not the law (Romans 6:14). Jesus fulfilled the law (Matthew 5:17), and His return signifies the completion of His redemptive work, not a return to legalism.
No, Christians are not bound by the Mosaic law. The New Covenant, established through Jesus, replaces the Old Covenant (Hebrews 8:13). His return confirms this eternal covenant, not a reversion to the law.
No, the second coming of Jesus fulfills all prophecies and completes His kingdom. The law served as a tutor leading to Christ (Galatians 3:24), but believers are now under the law of Christ, which is rooted in love and grace.
No, the New Testament teaches that such practices are no longer binding (Colossians 2:16-17). Jesus’ return emphasizes freedom in Him, not a return to ceremonial laws.
No, believers are justified by faith in Jesus, not by works of the law (Galatians 2:16). His return brings final judgment based on grace and faith, not legalistic observance.
