Human Ability to Keep God's Commandments Perfectly

No man is able perfectly to keep the commandments of God, for the Bible teaches that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Paul writes in Romans 8:28 that God works all things together for good for those who love Him, but this does not imply that believers can perfectly keep God's commandments. In fact, the Reformed tradition, following Scripture, affirms the doctrine of total depravity, which states that humanity's sinful nature renders them unable to keep God's commandments without the enabling power of the Holy Spirit.

This truth addresses the heart of humanity's relationship with God, highlighting the necessity of God's grace and the impossibility of earning salvation through good works. The Westminster Confession of Faith states that "no man since the fall is able to keep the commandments of God perfectly." This reality underscores the need for a Savior and the importance of faith in Jesus Christ, who kept the commandments perfectly on behalf of His people.

The gospel connection is clear: since no man can perfectly keep God's commandments, believers must rely on the perfect obedience of Christ, who fulfilled the law on their behalf. This truth brings comfort to the believer, reminding them that their salvation is not based on their ability to keep the commandments, but on the finished work of Christ. As a result, the believer is freed to love and serve God, not out of a desire to earn salvation, but out of gratitude for the salvation they have already received.