W hy can’t the deeds of the law justify? The problem does not lie with the law. Psalm 19:7 tells us that “the law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul”. Paul states in Romans 2:13 that “doers of the law shall be justified”. All those who obey the law perfectly will be accepted as righteous before God. Yet, in reality, no one will be justified by keeping the law because of mankind’s fallen nature. Instead of pursuing God and trying to please Him, the entire human race actually tries to get away from God. Far from observing the law, human beings actually violate the law in all possible ways and are thoroughly wicked. This does not mean every human being is as wicked as he can possibly be. Rather, sin has corrupted every part of our being – our body, our mind, and our will. We are enslaved to the evil impulses and desires of the heart. As Paul has demonstrated, no man has fulfilled the strict requirements of the law. Our best efforts are laced with sin, and our most “righteous” deeds fall far short of God’s glory. Even if we observe the law outwardly, the attitudes and actions of our hearts often condemn us. There is none righteous [Romans 3:10]. All have sinned and stand guilty before God. Righteousness cannot come from the “deeds of the law” or any form of self-effort. We need the righteousness, which is found only in Christ Jesus, which can only be obtained by grace through faith in Him.
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.
But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. – Galatians 3:11
THOUGHT
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