Dr. Law and Dr. Grace

Recently, I noticed my vision becoming gradually, increasingly obstructed. It seemed as if a shade was being pulled down, blocking the sight in my right eye. Each day this shade was a little lower. Thankfully, I was able to see an ophthalmologist who quickly diagnosed the problem. I had a torn and detached retina.

An accurate diagnosis is a vital part of medical treatment. But by itself it is insufficient. I needed a remedy. The ophthalmologist referred my case to a retinal specialist. However, the referral was initially rejected. For a few days I had a diagnosis of an urgent problem with no means of treating the condition.

I once heard a preacher deliver a sermon entitled, “Doctor Law and Doctor Grace.” He explained that many people have the mistaken idea that obeying the law of God – the commands and prohibitions found in the Bible – is the means of obtaining God’s favor and earning everlasting life. In his letter to the Romans the apostle Paul explained that this is not the case. The purpose of the law is to diagnose, not to cure. “Therefore, by the deeds of the law shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” (Rom. 3:20) The law identifies the sin problem we all have. For instance, if I am honest, when I read the Ten Commandments (Ex. 20:3-17) I can come to only one conclusion – I am guilty. I may not have violated all the commandments equally, but I have violated them. Therefore, I cannot possibly hope to gain God’s favor and acceptance by keeping His law. I have broken His law. This is true for everyone – except for one person, Jesus Christ.

God’s law diagnoses our spiritual condition. It reveals to us God’s standard, and it shows us that we each fall short. We are guilty and deserving of God’s punishment. But God’s grace provides the cure for our sin problem through faith in His Son. “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.” (I Pet. 3:18) Jesus Christ died as a substitute in the place of sinners and was raised again. Now we are forgiven and reconciled to God “by grace through faith.” (Eph. 2:8) Grace means unmerited favor or undeserved kindness. By grace, God forgives sin and declares sinners to be just. Dr. Law diagnoses. Dr. Grace provides the cure.

Eventually, I did get an appointment with a retinal specialist. Delicate surgery was performed. Vision in my right eye was restored. Had I been unable to get an appointment with the specialist, I would have lost sight in my right eye. The diagnosis alone would not have helped. I needed both a diagnosis and a cure.

For various reasons, some preachers avoid addressing the issue of sin. Perhaps they are concerned that they might offend people. If a physician fails to give a clear diagnosis, he is not helping the patient. Perhaps some ministers avoid talking about sin to encourage rather than discourage. People do indeed need encouragement, but they also need forgiveness. “Christ died for our sins,” not to enhance our self-esteem. (1 Cor. 15:3) People need an accurate diagnosis of their true spiritual condition in order that they might seek the necessary remedy. Jesus Himself employed a medical metaphor when He said, “They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” (Mk. 2:17)

For those who think the law can be a cure, Paul reasons, “For if righteousness came by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.” (Gal. 2:21) In other words, “Why would God send His Son to die for sin and sinners if keeping the law was a possible solution for the sin problem?”

“A man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ… for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” (Gal. 2:16)

You need to recognize that you are a sinner. That is the diagnosis. But God loves sinners and sent His Son to die in our place. Trust in Christ. That is the cure.

David A. Oliver is the pastor of Ashley Baptist Church in Belding, MI.