BUT NOW!

BUT NOW!

Rom 3:19-21

19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

           The Law addressed all who were “under the law” and the product of the law was not redemption but universal guilt. This guilt proved the universal inefficacy of self improvement and self redemption. “By the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight.” It was never the purpose of the Law. The law only points out sin and by doing so produces guilt. Guilt is the first step to redemption.

           The righteousness of God without the law presumes the subject has acknowledged that he can’t save himself or even improve himself. The righteousness is God’s and not ours. The Law’s mission and ministry was so that every mouth may be stopped; that every excuse might be rejected.

           Guilt gives way to accountability once excuses are removed. I become conscious that there is a Judge of my character and behavior and that there are consequences. I stand before Him with the knowledge of my sin and with no remedy. I am accountable but have nothing with which to pay my debt. I will surely be punished.

           Righteousness required becomes righteousness provided. It comes from the stores and reserves of another who is righteous and has righteousness to spare and share. The Prophets and the Law itself testify to the righteousness of Messiah. This righteousness is offered to the guilty by grace and it is received by faith. None is preferred or excluded. It is available to all. Justice was poured upon the innocent Jesus so that mercy might be extended to the guilty.

Rom 3:27-28

27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.

28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

Rock Of Ages

Not the labor of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law's demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.

Dear Lord, thank you for the Law that made me guilty and for your own righteousness that made me free. AMEN