Walking By Faith Vs. Keeping The Law: Understanding The Difference

Walking by faith and keeping the law may seem like two entirely different paths, yet they intersect at the point of one's spiritual journey. On one hand, walking by faith emphasizes trust in a higher power, believing without seeing and seeking guidance through a personal relationship with God. On the other hand, keeping the law focuses on adhering to a set of commandments and regulations, striving for moral righteousness through obedience. While both approaches aim for spiritual growth and connection with the divine, they diverge in their emphasis on the heart versus external actions. In this exploration, we will examine the contrasting aspects of walking by faith and keeping the law, shedding light on how these paths shape our worldview, actions, and ultimate fulfillment in life.

Definition and Meaning of Walking by Faith

Walking by faith is a concept that is often discussed in Christian circles, but what does it really mean? And how is it different from keeping the law?

Walking by faith refers to living our lives in complete dependence on and trust in God. It means having faith in His promises, following His guidance, and fully surrendering our will to His. In other words, it is about putting our faith into action and living out our beliefs.

Keeping the law, on the other hand, is about striving to follow a set of rules or commandments. The law, as given in the Old Testament, was a system of moral, ceremonial, and civil laws that governed the Israelites. It was meant to guide them in how to live and worship God. However, it was impossible for anyone to perfectly keep the law because of our sin nature.

In contrast, walking by faith is not about following a set of rules, but rather about having a personal relationship with God. It is about trusting in His goodness, His wisdom, and His plans for our lives. It is about seeking His will in every decision and trusting Him to guide us in the right direction.

When we walk by faith, we are acknowledging that we cannot save ourselves through our own efforts or righteousness. Instead, we are relying on the grace and mercy of God, which was made possible through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Walking by faith also involves stepping out of our comfort zones and taking risks for the sake of the gospel. It means being obedient to God's call even when it doesn't make sense or seems impossible. It means trusting in God's provision and timing, even when we can't see how things will work out.

Keeping the law, on the other hand, can often become a legalistic and outward-focused practice. It can lead to a mindset of self-righteousness and judgment of others who do not adhere to the same standards. It can also create a sense of pride and reliance on our own efforts, rather than on the grace of God.

In conclusion, walking by faith is about surrendering our lives to God and trusting in His guidance and provision. It is a lifestyle of dependence on God, rather than relying on our own abilities or efforts. Keeping the law, on the other hand, is about following a set of rules or commandments. While the law has its place in guiding our behavior, it is not meant to be a basis for our salvation or a means of earning God's favor. Instead, walking by faith involves a personal relationship with God and trusting in His grace and mercy.

The Role of Faith in Relationship with God

Walking by faith and keeping the law may seem similar on the surface, as both involve adhering to certain principles or guidelines set by God. However, there are distinct differences between the two that highlight the unique role of faith in our relationship with God.

Motivation:

• When we keep the law, our motivation is often driven by a sense of duty or obligation. We follow the commandments and rules given by God because we understand that it is the right thing to do and because we fear the consequences of disobedience.
• On the other hand, walking by faith is motivated by a deep trust and belief in God's promises. Our obedience to Him is not merely a matter of fulfilling obligations, but rather, it flows from a genuine desire to please and honor Him. Faith in God's character and faithfulness drives our actions.

External vs. Internal Focus:

• Keeping the law focuses primarily on external actions and behaviors. It is concerned with following the dos and don'ts laid out in the commandments. While these are important, they can sometimes lead to a legalistic approach, where the emphasis is solely on outward obedience without genuine internal transformation.
• In contrast, walking by faith places a greater emphasis on the condition of the heart. It recognizes that true obedience starts from within, with a heart that is fully surrendered to God. It goes beyond simply following rules and regulations to seeking a deep, intimate relationship with God, where our faith is the driving force behind our thoughts, actions, and attitudes.

Justification vs. Sanctification:

• Keeping the law can lead to a mindset of self-righteousness, where we rely on our ability to fulfill the law as a means of gaining favor with God. It may create a sense of pride and self-sufficiency, as we compare ourselves to others and feel superior because of our ability to keep the law.
• Walking by faith acknowledges our total dependence on God for salvation and sanctification. It recognizes that our righteousness comes not from obeying the law perfectly, but from placing our faith in Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law on our behalf. As we walk by faith, it is through the power of the Holy Spirit that we are transformed from the inside out, becoming more like Christ.

Freedom vs. Bondage:

• Keeping the law can sometimes lead to a sense of bondage and legalism. It can become a burdensome task, where we constantly strive to measure up to an unattainable standard. It can create a mentality of "earning" God's love and approval through our own efforts.
• Walking by faith, on the other hand, brings freedom. It liberates us from the bondage of legalistic thinking and the weight of trying to earn God's favor. It enables us to rest in God's grace, trusting that His power is at work in us to fulfill His purposes. Walking by faith allows us to experience the joy and peace that comes from surrendering control to God and relying fully on His guidance and provision.

In conclusion, while both walking by faith and keeping the law involve obedience to God's commands, they differ in their motivation, focus, and ultimate goal. Walking by faith emphasizes a heart surrendered to God, a deep trust in His promises, and a reliance on His grace and power. It is through faith that we build a genuine, intimate relationship with God, experiencing true freedom and transformation in Him.

Understanding the Purpose and Function of the Law

The law plays a crucial role in the lives of believers. It guides us, teaches us, and points us to the truth. However, walking by faith is different from keeping the law. Let's explore how these two concepts differ and why it's important to understand their relationship.

The law, as given in the Old Testament, was a set of rules and regulations that the Israelites were required to follow. It consisted of moral, ceremonial, and civil laws that governed their daily lives. The purpose of the law was to reveal God's standards of righteousness and to show the people their need for a Savior.

Keeping the law involved following each and every commandment meticulously. It required strict adherence to the rules and regulations, from observing the Sabbath to offering sacrifices for forgiveness of sins. The law provided a framework for righteous living, but it also exposed our inability to live up to God's perfect standards.

In contrast, walking by faith is a mindset and lifestyle that goes beyond mere rule-keeping. It involves trusting in God's promises and relying on His grace and power to live in obedience to Him. Walking by faith acknowledges that we are dependent on God's guidance and strength, rather than relying on our own efforts to earn favor with Him.

While keeping the law focuses on outward actions and behavior, walking by faith emphasizes an inward transformation of the heart. It recognizes that true righteousness comes from a genuine relationship with God, rather than simply following a list of rules. Walking by faith is about aligning our desires and intentions with God's will, allowing Him to shape and mold us into the image of Christ.

One of the key differences between walking by faith and keeping the law is the motivation behind our actions. When we walk by faith, our obedience is driven by love and gratitude towards God. We obey not because we are trying to earn our salvation or make ourselves acceptable to God, but because we have already been saved by His grace. Our obedience flows from a deep desire to honor and please God, rather than out of a sense of obligation or fear.

Furthermore, walking by faith recognizes that our righteousness is not based on our own merits, but on the perfect righteousness of Christ imputed to us through faith. We are justified before God solely by faith in Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the requirements of the law on our behalf. It is through His sacrifice on the cross that we have been made righteous in God's sight.

In conclusion, the law and walking by faith are related, but they serve different purposes. The law reveals our need for a Savior and guides us in righteous living, but it cannot save us or make us righteous. Walking by faith, on the other hand, is about trusting in God and relying on His grace to live in obedience to Him. It goes beyond rule-keeping and focuses on a genuine relationship with God. Understanding the purpose and function of the law helps us to appreciate the significance of walking by faith and to experience the abundant life that God desires for us.

Contrasting Walking by Faith with Keeping the Law

In the Christian faith, two concepts that often come up in discussions are walking by faith and keeping the law. While both are important aspects of the Christian life, they are distinct from each other and understanding the differences between them is crucial for believers. In this article, we will explore how walking by faith is different from keeping the law and highlight the implications for believers.

Source vs. Works

One fundamental difference between walking by faith and keeping the law lies in their source. Walking by faith is centered on a personal relationship with God and relies on trust in His guidance and provision. It involves leaning on God's promises, seeking His will through prayer and scripture, and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead and shape our lives. On the other hand, keeping the law is based on reliance on one's own efforts to follow a set of rules and regulations. It focuses on external obedience and adherence to religious or moral guidelines. While walking by faith acknowledges that salvation is a gift from God, keeping the law implies that one can attain righteousness through personal achievements.

Motive and Intention

Another significant difference between walking by faith and keeping the law is the motive and intention behind them. Walking by faith is driven by a deep love for God and a desire to honor Him in all aspects of life. It is fueled by gratitude for what God has done and continues to do in our lives. This motivation keeps believers focused on seeking God's kingdom and living in alignment with His purposes. Conversely, keeping the law can often become a self-centered pursuit driven by a desire for personal righteousness or recognition. It can lead to legalism and a judgmental attitude towards others who may not meet the same standards. Walking by faith puts the focus on God, while keeping the law can easily become a self-centered endeavor.

Relationship vs. Performance

Walking by faith emphasizes the importance of a personal relationship with God. It recognizes that our worth and acceptance come from being in Christ, not from our own performance or achievements. This relationship is cultivated through spending time with God, learning from His Word, and relying on His grace and mercy. In contrast, keeping the law can turn faith into a performance-based system, where one's worth is determined by how well they adhere to a set of rules. It can lead to a constant striving for perfection and a never-ending cycle of guilt and self-condemnation when inevitably falling short. Walking by faith allows for a genuine relationship with God, while keeping the law can lead to a religion based on performance and works.

Freedom from Bondage

Walking by faith sets believers free from the bondage of legalism. It allows for the freedom to rely on God's grace and forgiveness, knowing that our salvation is secure in Him. This freedom enables believers to live in joy and peace, knowing that they are loved unconditionally. In contrast, keeping the law can become burdensome and enslaving. It can create a sense of pressure to constantly measure up and earn God's approval. Walking by faith brings liberation, while keeping the law can lead to a life of fear and striving.

In conclusion, walking by faith and keeping the law are distinct and contrasting concepts in the Christian faith. While both have their place, understanding the differences between them is crucial for believers to grow in their relationship with God. Walking by faith emphasizes the importance of trust in God, motivation driven by love, a personal relationship with God, and freedom from legalistic bondage. Keeping the law, on the other hand, focuses on self-reliance, works-based motivation, performance, and potential bondage to legalistic rules. As believers, let us strive to walk by faith, trusting in God's grace, and allowing Him to lead and transform our lives.

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