The Path Leading To Life

“For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise made of no effect,
because the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law there is no transgression.”

– Romans 4:14-15

The Apostle Paul continues his bold defense of salvation by faith in Romans 4:14–15, showing that even the nature of the law proves grace must be the only way. He writes, “For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise made of no effect” (Romans 4:14, NKJV). If salvation came through law-keeping, then faith would be irrelevant—and the promise given to Abraham would be stripped of its power. Law focuses on behavior, a checklist of do’s and don’ts, and shifts the spotlight from God’s glory to human effort. But Abraham was declared righteous centuries before the law was given. That’s not just history—it’s theology. It proves salvation is by faith, not merit.

Paul presses further: “Because the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law there is no transgression” (Romans 4:15, NKJV). The law doesn’t save—it condemns. It’s like a mirror that shows us every flaw, or like pool water stirred up to reveal hidden dirt. The law defines sin, exposes guilt, and makes clear that none of us can keep it perfectly. Even Adam, created in innocence, failed when given a single command. If salvation were by law, then not only Gentiles but even Jews would be without hope. God would be offering a promise with one hand and snatching it away with the other. But He didn’t do that. He gave a promise through faith—accessible to all.

Here’s the good news: faith opens the door that law shuts. Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15, NKJV). That’s possible only because salvation is by grace through faith. The law shows us our need, but grace meets that need in Christ. So don’t try to earn what God freely gives. Trust Him. Rest in the promise. Walk in the steps of Abraham—not by striving, but by believing. That’s the path that leads to life.

“The law was never meant to save. It was meant to show man his utter helplessness and drive him to Christ.” — Martyn Lloyd-Jones