In the book of Galatians, the Apostle Paul argues against the possibility of our earning God’s favor through our efforts of doing good works or obedience to the Law of Moses.

Paul makes some emphatic statements…

“knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.” Galatians 2:16, NKJV.

Question: If we can’t be made right with God through obedience to the Law of Moses, then why was the Law given?

Answer: The Law of Moses was given to show us our guilt of sin and destroy spiritual pride.

“Now we know that whatever THE LAWsays, it says to those who are under the law, THAT EVERY MOUTH MAY BE STOPPED, and ALL THE WORLD MAY BECOME GUILTY BEFORE GOD.” Romans 3:19, NKJV.

The Law was given to make us feel the weight of our sin and bring us to the understanding of our desperate need for the Savior.

“So, the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law. You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus,” Galatians 3:24-26, NIV.

Only after we realize that we are guilty sinners in God’s sight will we be driven to a desperate need for the Savior. Then, knowing that we can never attain right standing before God through our own efforts or good deeds we simply trust Christ to save us from our sins. Salvation is a gift received through faith in Christ.

“… THE GIFT OF GODis eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23b, NKJV.

“… if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:9, 10, NKJV.

If you haven’t come to Christ through simple faith I pray you do so today.

Pastor Mike