What does "the law brings wrath" mean for believers today? The Heart of Romans 4:15 “because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law, there is no transgression.” (Romans 4:15) What Scripture Means by “the Law” • The moral commands God delivered through Moses (Exodus 20) • The whole covenantal system that required flawless obedience (Deuteronomy 27:26) • A mirror revealing God’s holiness and humanity’s need (Romans 3:20) Why the Law Brings Wrath • The law exposes sin; sin provokes God’s righteous anger (Romans 1:18) • Total obedience is required; even one failure places a person under judgment (Galatians 3:10) • The law intensifies awareness of rebellion—“The law was introduced so that trespass might increase” (Romans 5:20) Grace Answers Wrath • Christ satisfied wrath by bearing the curse the law pronounced (Galatians 3:13) • Justification is by faith, not law-keeping—“no one will be justified…by works of the law” (Romans 3:20) • Believers now stand in grace, not condemnation—“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1-2) Living in the Freedom of Grace • Rest from striving: salvation is God’s gift (Ephesians 2:8-9) • Obey from love, not fear (John 14:15) • Approach God confidently; wrath has been satisfied (Hebrews 4:16) • Extend grace to others; we were shown mercy when wrath was deserved (Colossians 3:13) Practical Implications Today • Remember that rule-keeping never earns favor, but reveals need for Christ • Rejoice daily in the cross; wrath met grace there • Use the law as guidance for holy living, not as a ladder to heaven • Share the gospel clearly: expose sin with the law, then point to the Savior who frees from wrath Key Truths to Carry Forward • The law is good, but powerless to save • Wrath against sin is real, but fully borne by Jesus for those who believe • Faith unites the believer to grace, replacing fear with freedom |
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