The relationship between Law and Grace, therefore, is not one of opposition but of divine sequence and purpose. The Law, given by God the Father who sits as Judge, is holy and reveals His perfect standard (Romans 7:12), making humanity conscious of its inability to achieve righteousness on its own, for "whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it" (James 2:10).

This very function prepares the way for Grace, as "the law was our guardian until Christ came, that we might be justified by faith" (Galatians 3:24). This Grace is embodied in Jesus Christ, who declared, "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), thereby providing justification through faith (Romans 3:28). This grace is not merely a pardon but the empowering presence of God that enables a transformed life, for "it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure" (Philippians 2:13).

The journey of a genuine believer reflects this reality: justification by faith initiates a process of sanctification where, even through wrestling with God's commands, one learns submission and holiness, knowing that "the Lord disciplines the one He loves" (Hebrews 12:6).

This transformative process is the critical evidence of a living faith, distinguishing the submitted sheep, who are known by the Shepherd and hear His voice (John 10:27), from the rebellious goats, who may seek justification but reject the sanctification that proves it genuine, for "faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead" (James 2:17).

Thus, the biblical pathway is a unified work of God—"And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified" (Romans 8:30).

We are Justified, being Sanctified then Glorified