If Righteousness Come By The Law; Then Christ Is Dead In Vain - Part 2285

"For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely -- "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." (Romans 13:9-10)

Why? Because love works no ill to his neighbour: therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law. (Romans 13:9-10)

In another place, Paul writes to owe no man any thing, but to love one another; for he that loves another hath fulfilled the law. (Romans 13:8)

And yet in another place, Paul asks, "Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Have ye suffered so many things in vain? [If it be yet] in vain. He therefore that ministers you the Spirit and works miracles among you, [does He it] by works of the law or by the hearing of faith?" (Galatians 3:3-5)

The answer to Gentiles -- Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness, know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, [saying], "In thee. shall all nations be blessed." So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham." (Galatians 3:6-9)

Note the scripture foreseeing told of these matters, that in this current dispensation of grace, no man can be justified by the law in the sight of God. Again, why? Because "the just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith, but, "The man that does them shall live in them. Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us; for it is written, "Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree; that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the spirit through faith ..." (Galatians 3:11-14)

As Paul indicates, the function of the law was added because of the transgressions -- till the Seed should come to home the promise was made. So wherefore then serve the law? Does this mean the law is against the promises of God? Of course not. Indeed, God forbid; for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. But the scriptures hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

But before faith came (under the old covenant), we were kept under the law, shut up unto faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (Galatians 3:15-29)

Lots to take in this day! More to think about tomorrow too. 

Stand in the offering plate.