Life and Relationships

Are Christians Still Required to Keep the Law?

Believers are not saved by keeping the law, since salvation comes through faith in Christ, but the moral law expressed in the Ten Commandments continues to describe God's unchanging standard of love, now kept through the Spirit's power rather than mere external effort.

Published 2026-09-13 · Updated 2026-09-27

Written and reviewed by the Word Oasis Editorial Team. Read our editorial policy.

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LawSalvation

Biblical explanation

Paul is emphatic that “by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified” (), ruling out law-keeping as a means of earning salvation. Yet he immediately clarifies, “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law” (), showing that grace does not eliminate the law's ongoing relevance as a moral standard. Under the new covenant, God's law is written on the heart by the Spirit rather than kept through mere external compliance (; ), meaning obedience flows from love and gratitude rather than obligation or fear. John summarizes this relationship simply: “This is the love of God, that we keep his commandments” ().

In brief

Paul is emphatic that “by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified” (), ruling out law-keeping as a means of earning salvation.

Bible references

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Editorial note

This answer is written and reviewed by the Word Oasis Editorial Team, and is presented with supporting references so you can examine each passage in context. If you notice an error or unclear statement, please suggest a correction.