Day 9: Law and Faith? Huh?

Have you heard me say enough times now that no matter what you do you are only justified by your faith, that is, by what Christ does and who he is? If this hasn't been made clear yet, then Paul tells us yet again at the end of chapter 3 that we have absolutely no reason to boast in our own works. He also just touches on what the meaning of the law is as a result of that. 

What is boasting? "Boasting is a sin common to all people - it reflects the pride that is at the root of so much human sinfulness" (Moo 246). Yet we must also recognize that Paul is probably specifically speaking about the Jews here, for they had previously been the only holders of special covenant relationship with God (Moo 246). We all, not just the Jews, tend to have a tendency to boast in good deeds instead of in God's grace (Moo 247).Now though, God is both the God of the Jews and the Gentiles, and the law in terms of works cannot save. The law no longer separates those who are God's people from those who are not. 

In all of this, it is essential to note that the law itself was first established through faith. Faith preceded law in the Old Testament, just as faith precedes any works we can offer as believers today too. After all, before Moses established the law, Abraham "believed God , and it was reckoned to him as righteousness." (Romans 4:3) The law doesn't play a role in justification (being made right before God is and always has been by faith), but it does still hold significance. "Abraham did indeed fulfill or 'uphold' the law...through received God's gift of righteousness by faith" (Bruce 104). 

What does all of this mean for you?

First of all, it reminds us that we have nothing to boast of, except in the cross of Jesus (Galatians 6:14). Secondly, it tells us yet again of the incredible riches we have received from the Father by being now being justified. And thirdly, it gives us just a glimpse into how we are to consider obedience to God and how to live out our faith in our deeds (James 2:14-26).

Bruce, F. F. Romans - The Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. Leicester, England: Inter-Varsity Press, 1985. Print.

Moo, Douglas J. Romans. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 2000. Print.