WSC 43-44: Grace before Law: the Preface to the Ten Commandments

[Sung Psalm: 105]

There are three temptations that Moses warns about in Moses' sermon in Deuteronomy 7-11:

(7:17) Do not say in your heart, “these nations are greater than I” – but remember the LORD and his mighty deeds against Egypt!

(8:17) Do not say in your heart, “My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth” – but remember that the LORD is the one who gave you the land!

(9:4) And do not say in your heart, “It is because of my righteousness that the LORD has brought me in to possess the land” – it is not your righteousness, but God’s faithfulness to his covenant with your fathers!

Notice that God’s answer to all three temptations is to remember that grace precedes law. It is by grace that Israel will enter the land. It is by grace that Israel will take possession of the land. And it is by grace that Israel will remain in the land.

Israel’s obedience to the Law is absolutely necessary to their possession of the land. But Israel’s obedience is never the reason for their possession of the land....