What was the purpose of the Law? Was it to save people? Was it a means to bring us into an everlasting fellowship with God? Consider this verse:
Hebrews 8:7 (ESV)
“For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second.”
The purpose of the Law was to bring to people an awareness of what sin was, and convict them of their trespasses (Romans 7:7). The works that were required to keep the Law proved ineffective to bring people to salvation, a plan that God had from the very beginning. Sinful humanity could simply never achieve such a level of perfection. Therefore, a better promise was required.
The Law could not remove sin; in other words, no works performed by man can remove the sin he commits on a daily basis. Therefore, no amount of good behavior, kindness, benevolence, or altruism, can lead to one’s salvation. It cannot be earned but must be received.
Only with the blood of Jesus Christ can one be saved (John 3:16; 14:6; Acts 4:12). Where once the Laws were written on tablets for men, God now writes His Perfect Law on the hearts of those who believe. This is the new way, where every sin is pardoned and all believers are cloaked with the righteousness of the One who died on our behalf.
There is so much freedom in this pardon. Such utter completeness. For those who truly experience this, the doors are opened to all kinds of spiritual blessings. We become willing servants and students of the Lord Jesus Christ, allowing the Holy Spirit to mold us into His image. With every day of submission, the chains of the world are loosened all the more.
The purpose of the Law was to show us that we are in a state of brokenness and separation because of our disobedience and sinful nature. Many today who are determined to work their way to heaven are in a similar state. Works are certainly important to our earthly journey of sanctification but hold no value in determining our eternal destination.
Works—which is what the Law was based upon—can get you to the Jordan, but they won’t carry you over the river. When the brother of Jesus says in James 2:18, “..“You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works”, he is not implying that works precede faith, but rather works are a natural response to a heart transformed by the Holy Spirit (c.f. Galatians 5:22-23).
Thank God today for His perfect plan of salvation. Thank Him for loving us enough to send His Son to die for us, when every single one of us deserves to die in such a manner.
Regardless of how good a person you think you are.
