How does the operation of the law compare to the operation of grace?
The operation of the law is a ministration of condemnation, condemning the individual and leaving death as the only alternative. Though the law was glorious, its glory cannot compare with the operation of grace, which is the ministration of righteousness exceeding in glory; legalism has no glory by comparison.
Les explains that the law could only condemn the individual, and condemnation meant death was the only alternative. That ministration of condemnation was done away, and grace takes its place. If the ministration of condemnation—the law condemning to death—was glorious, much more does the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. As great as the law system was while operating in Israel, it is nothing compared to the operation of grace. The glory of legalism, the way God mandated to Israel, has no glory by comparison with grace. Les also notes that millions today turn their back on grace, saying they will do their best and keep the commandments, which he calls a sad commentary.