The concept of upholding the law through faith is a profound theological principle that finds its roots in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul. This principle addresses the relationship between the Mosaic Law and the faith in Jesus Christ, emphasizing that faith does not nullify the law but rather fulfills its true purpose.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Romans, articulates the relationship between faith and the law. In Romans 3:31 , Paul poses a rhetorical question: "Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Certainly not! Instead, we uphold the law." This statement underscores the belief that faith in Christ does not abolish the law but upholds it by fulfilling its ultimate intent.

The Role of the Law

The Mosaic Law, given to the Israelites, served as a guide to righteous living and a means to reveal human sinfulness. It was a tutor leading to Christ, as Paul explains in Galatians 3:24 : "So the law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith." The law's purpose was to highlight humanity's need for a Savior, pointing to the coming of Jesus Christ.

Faith and Righteousness

Through faith in Christ, believers are justified and made righteous apart from the works of the law. Romans 3:28 states, "For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the law." This justification by faith does not render the law obsolete; rather, it establishes the law's true purpose by fulfilling its requirements through the righteousness of Christ.

Christ as the Fulfillment of the Law

Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the law, as He perfectly adhered to its demands and embodied its principles. 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." Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ accomplished what the law could not—providing a means for humanity to attain righteousness.

Living by the Spirit

Believers, empowered by the Holy Spirit, are called to live in accordance with the righteous requirements of the law. Romans 8:4 explains, "so that the righteous standard of the law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit." The Spirit enables Christians to uphold the law's moral and ethical standards, not through human effort, but through divine empowerment.

The Law of Love

The essence of the law is encapsulated in the command to love God and love one's neighbor. In Romans 13:10 , Paul writes, "Love does no wrong to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law." Through faith, believers are called to express this love, which inherently upholds the law's intent and purpose.

Conclusion

The principle of upholding the law through faith reveals the harmonious relationship between the Old Testament law and the New Testament faith. It affirms that faith in Christ does not abolish the law but fulfills it, as believers live out the law's righteous requirements through the power of the Holy Spirit and the love of Christ.