P aul has exposed the unrighteousness of both Jews and Gentiles. All are guilty and condemned before God. There are no exceptions. “Therefore,” Paul concludes here, “by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight.” The “deeds of the law” refer to works of righteousness, done in obedience to God’s law. Paul states unequivocally that no one will be justified (declared righteous in God’s sight) by observing the law. There is nothing we can do to atone for our sins and be set free from the guilty sentence and condemnation. Put simply, no one will be saved by good works. But good works are a necessary part of the Christian faith. Our Lord Jesus commands us to keep His commandments as evidence of our love for Him [John 14:15]. Good works, however, are not the basis of our salvation, but the result of it. We are saved for good works, not by good works. We can do nothing to merit our salvation. The deeds of the law cannot justify anyone. Maybe you think that you have done many good works, being kind and helpful to others, generous to the poor, even serving fervently in church ministries. None of these will make you good enough for heaven. All we can do is come before God with a humble and contrite heart, and seek His grace, remembering we are saved not by our works, but by God’s grace through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
LESSON
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.
THOUGHT
Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling; naked, come to Thee for dress, helpless, look to Thee for grace: – Augustus M. Toplady
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