Do we still need to follow the commandments if we are saved by faith in Jesus and not by law?
Yes, Christians should still obey and follow God’s law—not as a checklist to heaven, but as a response to grace given to the undeserving. Jesus fulfilled the law, and our obedience reflects our devotion and fellowship with Him.
1. Yes, Because Jesus Did Not Abolish the Law
Jesus made it clear and said: “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.” (Matthew 5:17)
By living a sinless life, obeying every command, and offering Himself as the final sacrifice, Jesus accomplished what the Law required—something no human could perfect on their own.
Jesus’ Fulfillment of the Law in Key Areas
- Sabbath – He healed on the Sabbath, showing that it was meant for mercy and rest, not rigid rule-keeping (Mark 2:27).
- Purity Laws – He emphasized that purity comes from the heart, not external rituals (Mark 7:14-23).
- Food Laws – He taught that moral purity is more important than dietary restrictions (Mark 7:18-19).
- Temple Worship – He cleansed the Temple to restore true worship of God (John 2:13-17).
WHY IS JESUS CALLED THE LAMB OF GOD.
2. Yes, Because it Demonstrates Our Love for God
While following God’s commands is not a requirement for salvation, obedience demonstrates our love, submission, and commitment to God.
Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). His command is to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind and to love others. (Matthew 22:37–39)
1 John 5:3
“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.”
3. Yes, Because it Leads Us to Christ
The law is our tutor. It disciplines, corrects, but also condemns us when we violate it. Since we fail constantly, we cannot achieve righteousness on our own. So the law leads us to Christ as our only hope.
Once we are saved by faith, the tutor’s role changes: the law no longer condemns but guides us in holiness. Our obedience then displays the fruit of salvation and deepens our fellowship with the One who fulfilled the law for us.
Galatians 3:24
The law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so we may be justified by faith.
Remember: Obeying the law is not a ticket to heaven, yet doing good still matters.
Some churches teach that if you obey enough commandments, you can earn heaven, but the Bible is clear: salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone. Still, God gave the law to guide us, not as a ticket to eternal life, because no one can keep it perfectly, which doesn’t mean it no longer matters to God.
Our obedience to the law reflects our faith in Christ and brings blessing to us and to those around us. Yet our righteousness in heaven is solely because of Jesus. Still, Scripture teaches that those who lived rightly and followed God’s commands will “shine…like the stars” (Daniel 12:3), shining even more in His kingdom and in eternal heaven.
Ephesians 2:8-9
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
