It is not our faith that saves us; it is God’s grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8). Paul adds that we are not saved “by works” (v.9), but “for good works” (v.10). No one is saved by their works, even their good works in keeping God’s commandments, but only through Christ (Galatians 2:16). We keep God’s commandments in response to the incredible grace God extends to us as we accept His sacrifice on Calvary on our behalf. JTL18 8.1
Salvation was also by grace through faith for the Old Testament people. God does not have two methods to save! Before Christ’s death on the cross, believers looked forward to His sacrifice by faith. Today faith looks backward to Christ’s sacrifice. Jesus has and will always be the only means of salvation. JTL18 8.2
However, the act of faith in reaching out to accept the salvation freely offered by Jesus does not negate His law. Paul says, “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid” (Romans 3:31). The cross of Christ itself is the greatest proof that the Ten Commandments have not been abolished. If the Commandments were not still valid, there would be no sin (1 John 3:4), and no need for a Redeemer. At the cross, Christ paid the demands of the law. Thus, He did not come to take away the law, but rather the condemnation of the law. JTL18 8.3