Establishing the Law Through Faith

Slide 1: Establishing the Law Through Faith Meeting the righteous requirements of the law through faith. Rom. 3:31

Slide 2: Introduction  When preaching the truth there are always people that listen at the message from an extremist point- of-view.  Preach on baptism and some think the messenger is against faith in Christ.  Preach on faith in Christ and some think the messenger doesn’t believe in the necessity of baptism.  Preach on law keeping and some think the messenger doesn’t accept God’s grace.  Preach on grace and some think the messenger doesn’t believe in fulfilling the law.

Slide 3: Introduction  Apparently, people in the New Testament era were no different than many among us today.  The apostle Paul knew the reaction among some of the brethren when teaching about a believer being justified before God.  He taught that all (Jews and Gentiles) were guilty of sin and whose deeds were death.  He then stated that people were justified by the law of faith, not the law of works.  Knowing how some might react toward his message, he answers his own rhetorical question: “Do we then nullify the Law through faith? May it never be! On the contrary, we establish the Law.” Rom. 3:31

Slide 4: Introduction  So, if we are saved by faith, how do “we establish the law”?  By upholding the required payment for the penalty of sin.  The was established by serving as a tutor to bring believers to faith in Christ. Gal. 3:23-29  By “walking in the spirit” so as to fulfill the law. Rom. 8:3-4

Slide 5: Making Payment for the Penalty of Sin  The Law of Moses required payment for sin (ceremonial or moral).  Law demands obedience; sin requires the shedding of blood for forgiveness. Heb. 9:22  God – through His divine wisdom – was appeased by the blood of bulls and goats as a means of atonement for sin. Exo. 29:36  But the offerings through the Law – through His divine wisdom – could never (truly) take away sins. Heb. 10:1,4

Slide 6: Making Payment for the Penalty of Sin  Jesus paid that penalty once and for all. Heb. 10:5-7  He came into this world to fulfill the law. Matt. 5:17  He fulfilled the Law by complete obedience under it.  Contextually, His coming and dying to pay the full penalty of sin fulfilled exactly what the “Law of Prophets” spoke concerning the Messiah. Isa. 53  “Thus the gospel of salvation by faith upholds the law by insisting that its utmost demands must be and have been fully met.”

Slide 7: The Law Pointed to a Faith in Christ  The Law of Moses was added because of transgressions. Gal. 3:19  The Law revealed the utter sinfulness of sin. Rom. 7:13  The Law also served as a reminder to those under it of their sins. Heb. 10:1-3  The Law, therefore, revealed man’s need for salvation from their sins. Gal. 3:21-22

Slide 8: The Law Pointed to a Faith in Christ  The Law of Moses pointed to the Anointed One (Christ) based upon God’s promise. Gal. 3:23-29  Before faith (in Jesus) was revealed Jews were under the Law.  It acted as a tutor until faith in Christ brought forth justification before God.

Slide 9: The Law Fulfilled by Walking in the Spirit  We will never – of our own strength – be able to keep the law perfectly.  This is true before we become Christians.  This is true for Christians.

Slide 10: The Law Fulfilled by Walking in the Spirit  But, through faith in Christ – who paid the penalty – believers “walk” in the law of Christ.  Loving our neighbors. Rom. 13:8-10; Gal. 5:14; Jas. 2:8  Bearing one another’s burdens. Gal. 6:2

Slide 11: The Law Fulfilled by Walking in the Spirit  Ultimately, “walking in the Spirit.” Rom. 8:4  By “walking in the Spirit” our course of life upholds (“establishes”) the righteousness of the Law of Christ. Cp. Tit. 2:11-14  We ask God’s forgiveness when we sin (1 Jn. 1:7, 9) with confidence in the gracious and cleansing blood of our Savior.  We do not take an extreme position and sin “that grace may abound” but are bound to righteousness as we uphold the law under which we live. Rom. 6 (vs. 1,15)

Slide 12: Conclusion  The Law demands that payment be made for sin, it pointed to the Messiah, and requires that the just live by faith.  Without taking an extreme point-of-view we see the balance between the gracious payment by our Savior that justifies us as we walk in the Lord – by faith – to fulfill the Law of Christ.