How does the system of law compare to the operation of grace?
The system of law could only condemn the individual, and condemnation led to death. It was a ministration of condemnation. Though the law was glorious in Israel, it cannot compare to the operation of grace. Grace is the ministration of righteousness and exceeds the law in glory; by comparison, legalism's glory is nothing.
Les explains that the law could only condemn the individual, and if a person is condemned, death was the only alternative. That ministration of condemnation is done away, and grace takes its place. Scripture says that if the ministration of condemnation was glorious, much more does the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. As great as the system of law was while operating in Israel, it is nothing compared with the operation of grace. The glory of legalism, God's mandated way for Israel, has no glory by comparison. Yet millions turn their back on grace, saying they will do the best they can and keep the commandments, which Les calls a sad commentary.
For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.
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