DEAD TO THE LAW

"Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man. Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God." (Romans 7:1-4).

Devotion 16 of 17

JUSTIFIED THROUGH FAITH

When it comes to WHY men are justified, it is always through faith. When it comes to the results of justification, it is always "good works," to which we have been ordained, and for which we have been created in Christ Jesus (Eph 2:10).

James speaks of the works of faith, whereas Paul speaks of the works of the Law. The works of faith vindicate ones justification, but come AFTER the individual has been justified. This is clear from Paul's reasoning on the subject--reasoning that deals with the BASIS of our acceptance by God. Paul takes the work of circumcision, which was Abraham's initial act of obedience to God. The Apostle reasons that Abraham's justification, or pronouncement of being righteous, preceded his work of faith.

"Does this blessedness then come upon the circumcised only, or upon the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness. How then was it accounted? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while still uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also" (Rom 4:9-11 NKJV).

The argument is unmistakably strong, causing offence to many. But it is good news to those who yearn to be considered righteous by the Living God! Abraham was considered righteous by God BEFORE his righteousness evidenced itself in works. That may not comport with fanciful theology, but it stands in the courtroom of heaven. No wonder Paul shouted, "Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies" (Rom 8:33). Our cleanness is not a reward for doing what we are told! It is the response of God to our faith in Christ. Thus Paul affirms his own deep-seated desire, "that I may . . . be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith" (Phil 3:8-9). Salvation, or justification "from all things" (Acts 13:39), is always "by grace through faith . . . unto good works" (Eph 2:8-10).

Our subject, "Dead to the Law," is a view of justification by faith. It declares that we have not only been connected with Jesus, we have been disconnected from the Law as a means to righteousness. We maintain an association with the Law, but it is one of affinity, not a standard of righteousness. We love the Law, not because it has justified us, but because we agree with it--another way of saying it is written upon our hearts.

Those who do not perceive this truth labor under the weight of a defiled conscience. They do not possess the "full assurance of faith," and are not dominated by "hope." It is possible to stand before such people and upbraid them for not having assurance, or chastise them because they do not have hope. Such activities are foolish and injurious! Time would be far better spent proclaiming the good news of salvation through Christ Jesus. There is acceptance with God through faith. Righteousness will be imputed to us "if we believe on Him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead" (Rom 4:25). Such good news is not conducive to disobedience. It will not produce moral laxity in those who believe.

PRAYER POINT: Father, I praise Your name through Jesus for freeing us from the law so that we may be righteous.

-- Tomorrow: I CAN DO ALL THINGS! --