extreme law vs extreme grace

"We cannot learn salvation by grace from the Law. The Law does not make us godly. All the Law can do is to show us our sins. (Romans 3:20) This is why the Law must still be preached in all of its terror and conviction. If we preach the Law one iota less exacting than God intends we are hindering the purpose of God's Law. The Law is meant to shock and awaken every sinner to their sinfulness. They must know they are in a disastrous situation from there is no hope without Christ. The Bible teaches that All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law." (NIV Galatians 3:10) This strict understanding of the Law must not be dampened, muted or lost.

It is essential for understanding the beauty and sweetness of the Gospel. "The Law must precede the preaching of the Gospel, otherwise the latter will have no effect." [Walther, p. 83] For those who are broken by their sinfulness the Cross is a great salvation. What mercy and grace is revealed in Christ compared to the horror felt under the Law. When we truly recognize the holiness of God and His sovereignty, and we are convinced of how deep we are in our sins, then the Gospel will taste like honey to our souls. We will see Christ is a fountain of living water for our dead souls. We will cry out like Paul, O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! (KJV Romans 11:33"