What happens if righteousness comes by the law?
Paul writes that if righteousness comes by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. Righteousness does not come by legalism; believers are not under law but under grace, which pours out undeserved favor and mercy on sinners such as us.
Les explains that Paul refuses to frustrate the grace of God by saying he must do what the law says. Paul declares he will not fly in the face of grace. If righteousness could come by the law—by legalism—then Christ died in vain. But today believers are not under the law; they are under grace. Grace is that attribute of God capable of pouring out undeserved favor and mercy on sinners like us, all because of the love poured out at the cross. God doesn't expect us never to fall, and when we do, He is ready to pick us up and put us back on our way.