A large portion of the Old Testament is devoted to the Law of Moses and its practice. However, we are told that the Law cannot make anyone righteous (justified) before God (Galatians 2:16). So, what was the purpose of giving the Law and practicing the aspects of it if that did not gain favor with God? Let’s look at what the Apostle Paul wrote on this subject. Continue reading
Tag Archives: law
How God Justifies Sinners
Justification is a key doctrine in Christianity. The basic problem is: (1) all human beings are sinners and (2) God is holy and must judge sin. Justification has to do with how God justifies sinners (declares them to be righteous) so that they can be accepted by Him. The following is one of many verses that address this doctrine.
Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Continue reading
The Blessedness of Godliness
Psalm 1:1-3 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
These verses have a simple, yet profound message. First, stay away from ungodliness (vs. 1). Second, delight in God’s Word (vs. 2). Third, enjoy the benefits that right living brings (vs. 3). Continue reading
Dead to the Law: Studies in Galatians – Lesson 8 (2:17-21)
Galatians 2:17-21
17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. 18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. 19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. 20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. Continue reading
Dead to the Law: Studies in Galatians – Lesson 7 (2:11-16)
Galatians 2:11-16
11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. 12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. 13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. 14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? 15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, 16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Continue reading