NO law for you, madam. None for you, sir!

Sometimes we find that those caught up in the law, the law-preachers themselves would see it as their duty and mission to convince those who are free in Christ to do the law and keep the law.

First century church challenge?

Sadly, it is true even today.

But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. Act 15:5 

The age-old thorn-in-the-flesh scenario

One major issue the first century church had to deal with was the very matter of Grace versus the law.

Led by the Holy Spirit, the apostle James pronounced on the matter:

Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God Act 15:19.

Because:

... God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;

And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 

Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. Act 15:8-11

What is the verdict?

The verdict: NO doing and NO keeping the law for those who are free in Christ.

... with one suggestion: You would do well to keep away from those things that causes adulteration between you and Jesus, things belonging to and associated with idol (demon) worship (that includes intimacy with them, and offering your time and effort to them) the things that suffocate you from an open and free relationship with Christ. Acts 15:20; 29 paraphrased.

Can we simplify that?

Yes!

No law! Just Grace.

Protect your heart from whatever tries to steal His Free Gift so that even they who are in bondage of the law may be set free and saved in the same manner as you by the very Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ! Acts 15:11

How did they know?

Interesting, in Acts 15:16-17 Luke quotes the prophet Amos saying:

After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up [all those founded in Jesus ... completely done by Jesus]:

That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called [those called out from amongst - the ekklēsia the church], saith the Lord, who doeth all these things [Note: It's a free gift - the Lord do these things without our works to assist. There is a word for that - unmerited favour, Grace, Jesus!]. Act 15:16-17

It was prophesied. And the apostles knew it having heard the voice of the Holy Spirit.

The verdict was there even before the transgression!

And now?

The law is not required.

It can not mend what is broken and severed.

It can not fix what sin has broken.

Only Grace can.

Don't insult Grace by mixing the two.

Glory to Grace! Glory to Jesus!

HalleluYAH!