Holiness -- the common goal of grace and law

As the debate goes on between those for the necessity of law even in having divine grace, and those who believe that in grace we already have the spirit of law toward holiness, a misunderstanding remains by those who deem proponents of pure grace as promoting a license to sin.

If such is the view unchanged, there can never be found a common ground, let alone any possibility for conciliation between the dissenters under one truth.

Let's underline the primary motive of either view, and the fear each camp holds of one another in consequence: those upholding the boundaries set by law fear rampant disregard of holiness and condolence of sin. Those promoting grace fear believers not resting in the eternal righteousness brought about by His divine forgiveness.

The assumption from the other side is that those under the grace camp do not want holiness, wants very much to sin, and are only using grace as an excuse to sin by doing away with God's justice (law). We see no such accusation from this side toward those of the law. We believe they are sincere in wanting to be holy for God.

But is this fair? The only way for two sides to come to an agreement is if there be a common goal. If the objective is different, then there is no way -- and no need, really -- to talk. If one side thinks the other side doesn't want the same thing in living a holy and Christ-like life, then there is no understanding possible for the grace perspective.

Can we accept that all sincere Christians of all beliefs want very much to lead a righteous and holy life as our natural and loving response to the Lord?

Let us not forget that one can be holy without the law. The law was given to show those who think they are holy (and those who are not aware) how sinful they are. Holiness is a law unto itself, and needs not the law to  remain holy. We love our children and obey our parents even not knowing the law, and so it is that by our willing invitation of Christ into our hearts we also live out the love and not just the perfunctory requirement of the law.

We are holy not because of the law but the spirit of Christ living inside. When we love we don't need the law, for the love of Christ constrains us to obey (law) and compels us to serve (command). (2 Corinthians 5:14)

If so, the argument for necessity of law to curb sin falls by the wayside. Those who desire not to sin will not sin more for the gift of grace, and the ones not concerned with the gravity of sin will not, by the teaching of law, come to repentance of the heart, nor continue in obedience. Such faith is based on the threat of punishment, and not from receiving of forgiveness a love that moves the heart.

Only in our constant inspiration by, and response to grace, can the obedience truly come from the transformation by the holy spirit, so that the flesh cannot boast. The teaching of law does not eliminate sin, but will only increase sinful desires and behaviors. (Romans 5:20, Romans 7:8)

Not fearing the punishment of disobeying law will not lead to more sin, but to have the true rest in the grace of total forgiveness that is His divine purpose.

And this is the truth of the gospel -- all grace, no law.