For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it Romans 3:20-21 – Understandably this would be a hard message for an audience that came from a Jewish background to hear. Paul is telling them that a life of following the Law will not make one right before God. Following the Law was the heartbeat of the Jewish faith yet here Paul is telling them that the part of their faith life they trusted to provide them entrance into Heaven did not do what they hoped it would, in fact it did the opposite. While the message in the first verse was the Law provided no righteousness or justification for the sinner, Paul brings the joy in the second verse by revealing those needs were met in a way outside the Law. In the following verse Paul shares that this means of righteousness and justification now comes through faith in Jesus Christ. It’s sometimes hard to accept that our best efforts add nothing to the redemptive plan of our life. Our believing we are earning our salvation by our abundance of good works separates us from God. No law can save us, no amount of faithful deeds on our part can save us, only Jesus can. As we’ve worked through many of Paul’s letters, this seems to be a truth he continually reminds the church. Why then do you think the Lord is reminding you of this today? How might have you fallen back into the rut of trying to earn God’s favor and forgiveness? Settle in your mind again today that it is the work and life of Jesus alone that brings us the rescue from our sin. Let that truth then as well shape the way you praise the Lord with your life. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 3426
Question To Ponder: Why would God give the Law if it didn’t save anyone?
See Full Chapter
See Previous Devotions Over This Chapter
Daily DEVO 
Leave a comment