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Study 06 of 18

Chapter 5: “Made Under the Law”

Christ was made under the law, in our nature, to redeem us from the curse of the law.

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

Jones continues the exploration of Christ's incarnation by discussing what it means for Him to be 'made under the law.' By taking our fallen human nature, Christ placed Himself under the same law that governs all humanity. This was not a burden He took unwillingly, but a necessary part of His work as our Redeemer. Because we were 'under the law' (in the sense of being condemned by its requirements while powerless to fulfill them), He had to come under the law to deliver us. Jones explains that this is not about Christ merely keeping the law but about Him living the life of perfect obedience in our fallen nature, thereby exhausting the requirements of the law and providing a way for us to be set free. He became the author of eternal salvation, reaching us in our deepest loss.

Key points

  • Christ was made under the law, taking our fallen nature, to redeem those under the law.
  • Being 'under the law' means being condemned by its requirements while powerless to fulfill them.
  • Christ’s obedience in our fallen nature fulfilled the law's requirements for us.
  • Christ is the author of eternal salvation, able to save even from the deepest loss.

Key texts

  • Galatians 4:4-5
  • Philippians 2:5-7
  • Romans 8:3

From the book

Chapter 5 · Belief 4 · Read this chapter

  • ““Christ Jesus, ... being in the form of God, ... emptied Himself, and took upon Him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men.”” (ch. 5)
  • “He was made under the law; and this He did that He might redeem them that were under the law.” (ch. 5)
  • “And having passed through it all, He is the author of eternal salvation and is able to save to the uttermost from deepest loss all who come unto God by Him.” (ch. 5)

Put it into practice

  • Meditate on Christ's perfect obedience for you under the law.
  • Acknowledge your need for His righteousness to meet the law's demand.
  • Rest in the assurance that He has already redeemed you from the curse of the law.
  1. Comprehension

    1. What does it mean that Christ was 'made under the law'?

  2. Doctrinal Clarity

    2. Why did He need to be made under the law?

  3. Scripture

    3. What is the 'curse of the law'?

  4. Doctrinal Clarity

    4. How did Christ fulfill the law for us?

  5. Contrast

    5. What does 'being in the form of God' contrast with?

  6. Comprehension

    6. Why is Christ the author of eternal salvation?

  7. Scripture

    7. What is the benefit for those who 'come unto God by Him'?

  8. Application

    8. How does knowing Christ was 'made under the law' for you change your perspective on God's law?