I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!
Summary: Paul has led us up the mountainous trail of his logical reasoning for many verses. We are finally at the top of the mountain, where Paul presents us with a choice. We can jump off on one side or the other, but not both.
It has been a long journey, but we are finally here! We have arrived at the pinnacle of Paul’s logical peak. We are standing on the knife-sharp edge of his reasoning.
On one side of this knife-sharp edge is the grace of God. On the other is the law. Above us is the goal: Heaven. If we hope to find our way to heaven to spend eternity with our Maker, we must choose which side of the knife’s edge we will rely on.
If we rely on the grace of God, then we trust in God completely. There is no safety net we can hold onto. There is only God.
If we rely on the law, we have something to hold onto, but it is like hanging onto a rope ladder attached to a burning building. Eventually, the rope will burn, leaving us to fall into the burning embers below.
This knife’s edge that Paul presents us does not allow for mixed metaphors. Paul understands that we must make a choice.
If we rely on the grace of God, then we put all of our faith in God. If we rely on the law even a little bit, then we are counted as relying on the whole law. There is no allowance for putting “some faith” in God’s grace and “some faith” in the law.
To ensure we understand his point, Paul “flips the script,” and has us look at it the other way around. He says, “if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing.”
What does this mean?
It means that if there was any hope at all that putting your weight on the rope ladder attached to the burning building could get us to heaven, “Christ died for nothing.”
Think about that.
The purpose of the law was never about providing a way to heaven. The reason God gave us the law, was to show us our need for Jesus. (Hebrews 10:1)
So here we are, standing on the knife’s edge. We can’t climb any higher on our own. We have to jump one way or the other. Which will it be? Do we trust the rope ladder on the burning building, or do we jump into the waiting arms of Jesus?
Application: Trust Jesus.
Food for Thought: How does knowing the grace of God change how we look at righteousness?
Simply put, I think that knowing the grace of God allows us to trust in Christ’s righteousness alone for salvation, and not our own. Philippians 3: 8 – 9.
Thanks Rich.
It sounds simple, but I still seem to be able to make it complicated!!
Why is that?!
:-/
It’s the way God designed your brain to work.
Ha Ha Ha
🙂
03-02-2024, How does knowing the grace of God change how we look at righteousness?
God’s word is very clear to those who are prepared to submit to and receive His truths over their worldly foundation of faith in the works of men. The Holy Spirit is convicting ( revealing the truth ) to the world of sin, righteousness and the coming judgement. This act of the Holy Spirit makes all aware of their sin and need for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. God speaking to our hearts, urging us to change our ways, is essential for our salvation and a righteous Christian walk, though it can be uncomfortable at times.
Romans 3:10, As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one.
2 Corinthians 5:21, He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Romans 5:20-21, The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, 21 so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord
Once we begin to submit to God, as the source of all righteousness, we are relieved of the impossible, unbearable task of living in righteousness according to our perceived standards.
Matthew 11:28-30, Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Thanks Ron!
The key that I see in your words is, “according to our perceived standards.” We can’t even understand God’s standards and ours fall woefully short.
What’s up to every one, as I am really eager of reading this weblog’s post to be updated
on a regular basis. It carries good stuff.