Grace or Law Exodus 19

 

Exodus 19 – Grace or Law

(Please read the scripture to get a greater understanding of God’s Word)

By Grace God brought Israel out of Egypt and to Mount Sanai.  He is bearing them on Eagles’ wings.  The eagle is used as a symbol of God and deity.   The eagle is admired for its wings and its ability to soar to the heights. On the way from Egypt to Mount Sania, Israel had seven experiences which correspond to our Christian experiences.  God gave Israel

Manna when they were hungry and water when they were thirsty.  God sweetened the bitter waters of Marah. God delivered them from Amalek.  All the way God carried Israel on eagles’ wings, and that is the way He bears us today, He leads us by grace, and we walk by faith.

Once they arrived at Mount Sania God reminds Israel how He has led and cared for them.  Then He gives them a choice- grace or law. God saves by grace. He does not save by law.

Law demands – grace gives.   Law says “do” – Grace says “believe”.

Law exacts – grace bestows.  Law says “work”- grace says “rest”.

Law threatens, pronouncing a curse – grace entreats, pronouncing a blessing.

Law says “Do, and you shall live” – grace says, “Live, and you shall do”.

Law condemns the best man - grace saves the worst man.

The law was given to reveal that we are sinners.  It was given temporarily until Jesus returns.

The giving of the law to the nation Israel at Mount Sinai was the beginning of the dispensation of the law.  This lasts from Mount Sinai to the Cross of Calvary, from Exodus to the Cross.

No one can measure up to God’s standards.  The Israelites chose the law over grace and they say, “Bring it on, we are ready to keep it.”

There are multitudes of men and women today that claim they keep the Law even after God clearly demonstrated that no one can be saved by the Law- because no one can keep the law.  The giving of God’s law was a terrifying experience and the people trembled because it was frightening.

Israel’s pledge to keep the Law was a mistake they never would have made had they known more about themselves and how weak they were.  There is a great contrast between that dispensation of law and our dispensation of grace.

 

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard@blogspot.com.

 

J. Vernon McGee Commentary