When we think of the Old Testament, we often picture a mix of dramatic history and ancient laws. And that’s fair! These books include Creation, the Great Flood, brave leaders, bold prophets, unpredictable kings, and rich wisdom through Psalms and Proverbs.
But nestled within all those stories and commandments is something we don’t always see: grace.
The Pentateuch: More Than Just Rules
The first five books of the Old Testament—Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy—are called the Pentateuch, or “The Law.” They include well-known figures like Abraham, Joseph (yes, the one with the colorful coat!), and Moses. But after the dramatic escape from Egypt, the content shifts. The rest of these books often read like a rulebook—and, to modern eyes, a strange one.
It’s easy to wonder: Why all these laws? And even harder for some to understand why a loving God would give them. Some even view God as harsh or distant based on these sections of Scripture.
But there’s something beautiful we can easily miss: the Law is also a sign of God’s Grace.
In Deuteronomy 5, we see a restatement of the Ten Commandments but chapter 6 that reveals the greatest commandment: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. These words I am giving you today are to be in your heart.”
God gave His people these laws for their good, but the laws themselves couldn’t make the Israelites good. And while they were called to love God, He never demanded obedience to earn His love. Instead, it was when they loved God that following the law became a natural response.
Ultimately, these laws served as a signpost to lead them to God. The Israelites understood that without depending on Him, the law would be too hard to keep.
In this way, the law not only revealed God’s holiness but also pointed to His ultimate gift—grace.
What Is Grace, Anyway?
Grace is God’s unearned kindness—His undeserved favor toward us. Even in the Old Testament, grace is evident. In Exodus, God describes Himself this way:
“The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” – Exodus 34:6 (ESV)
That’s not a picture of a cold, distant ruler. That’s a God who cares deeply.
What Jesus Said About the Law
As Christians today, we’re not required to follow the ceremonial laws given to ancient Israel. But the moral truths found in the Law—especially in Deuteronomy—still matter. Why? Because Jesus quoted them.
When someone asked Jesus which commandment was the most important, He didn’t give a list of rules. Instead, He requoted Deuteronomy 6:5:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” – Mark 12:30 (ESV)
Jesus reminded us: Obedience isn’t about rule-following. It’s about loving God—because He first loved us. When we love Him, we naturally want to walk in His ways.
Grace: A Gift We Can’t Earn
We no longer need to offer sacrifices or follow hundreds of laws. Jesus became the final, perfect sacrifice. Through Him, we receive the greatest gift of all: salvation by grace.
“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Romans 10:9 (ESV)
You don’t have to earn salvation, prove yourself, or live a perfect life. It’s a free gift from God. As Paul reminds us:
“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.” – Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)
Salvation: An Invitation to New Life
God’s grace has always been part of His plan—from the very beginning to the cross and beyond. May we respond to that grace with love, obedience, and a desire to reflect His heart to the world around us.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9 (ESV)
“Whoever has the Son has life.” – 1 John 5:12 (ESV)
Friend, if you’ve never received this gift of grace, it’s waiting for you. All you need to do is come to God. Confess your sin. Accept His forgiveness. Believe that Jesus died for you and rose again—and let Him give you new life. Today is a beautiful day to start.
Journaling Prompt:
How have you experienced God’s grace—perhaps in a way you didn’t expect? Are there “rules” or expectations you’ve been carrying that God may be inviting you to surrender in exchange for grace?
Disclosure: Scriptures marked ESV are taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, ENGLISH STANDARD
VERSION (ESV): Scriptures taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION ® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Used by permission. Photo courtesy of Alex Shute on Unsplash
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