(Galatians 2:16) Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Can performing the works of the Law justify anyone? Not according to this verse. Our declaration of righteousness comes on the basis of the fidelity of Christ. What He promised, He performed. The patient forbearance of God allowed those before Christ to be declared righteous.
(Romans 3:25) Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
Why did God give the law if it had nothing to do with their salvation. Why did Jesus tell the rich young ruler to keep the commandments? I’m not arguing, I have always had these questions and have been confused about it. How did they show their faith to God if not through doing what He said? We are saved by believing the death, burial and resurrection. How were they saved if not by the law? What was their saving faith?
Hi Annie.
I used to wonder about the way taught before the cross.
The clue is that his teaching was still under the demands of the old testament, now we know no sinner could fulfill the demands of the Law on the carnel flesh, and the other clue is it was a ministration of death to old adam! so before the way was made into the second Adam its was love God with all your heart, But after the cross which made way for the new testament seeing no testament is in effect till the death of the testator, it changed to God loved you first while you were yet a sinner and an enemy of God.
So its a reversal of the demands that were once on us! now the demands are all seen by God as fulfilled making way for grace instead of law.
Plus the fading of the OT also has to be takin into the progression of the message after the cross, the light of grace chasing the shadows of the laws types and shadows from the message all took time.
Much more detail to consider as well Israels covenant, and hope, compared to the new mans mystery, and new hope.
Glen55.