The Christian’s Relationship to the Old Testament

The Christian’s Relationship to the Old Testament: In light of Paul’s emphasis on justification by faith, discuss his view of the Mosaic law.  For example, in Rom 3:31, Paul says “Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith?  Not at all!  Rather, we uphold the law” (NIV).  How, in light of Paul’s entire discussion in the book of Romans, does he think that the doctrine of justification by faith upholds the law?  What is the role of the law in the lives of those who are justified by faith, according to Romans?  Does the Spirit somehow uphold the law in believers (see Rom 7 and 8)?  Do you think that the contemporary Evangelical church has adequately upheld the law while teaching justification by faith?