Sunday, 13 October 2024
THE LAW COULDN’T PRODUCE LIFE
Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses (Acts 13:38-39).
Before Jesus came, there was the Law of Moses, not for the whole world but for Israel. Under the Law, you had to obey it to be blessed by God; righteousness was achievable only by obeying all the Law. But according to the book of Hebrews, there was no law that could give life, neither could men fully obey all the law: "For on the one hand, there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness, for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God" (Hebrews 7:18-19 NKJV).
Additionally, Hebrews 8:7 NKJV says, "For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second." Thus, the Law could not set men free. In Galatians 3:21 NKJV, the Apostle Paul tells us that the Law couldn’t give life; it lacked the power to produce righteousness: "Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law."
In Romans 8:3 NKJV, he further explains what was faulty about the law: "For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh." God had to replace the old covenant with a better covenant: "But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises" (Hebrews 8:6 NKJV).
This new covenant was made when Jesus came and paid the ultimate sacrifice with His divine blood. Because of that ultimate sacrifice, Jesus gave us His righteousness. Romans 3:21-22 declares, “But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference.” Hallelujah! Through Him (Jesus Christ), we’ve been justified from all things from which we couldn’t be justified by the Law of Moses. Blessed be God!
PRAYER: Dear Father, I thank you for the gift of Jesus Christ, who paid the ultimate price for my sins and granted me His righteousness. I rejoice in the good news of the Gospel, knowing that I am justified, free from all guilt because of His sacrifice. I live in this reality every day, sharing this truth with others and walking in the fullness of your blessings, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
Romans 8:1-4; Galatians 2:16; Romans 3:27-28
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:1-13 & Isaiah 57-58
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Hebrews 6:1-10 & Ezekiel 7