From malice to murder, lust to lying, adultery to avarice—the whole world is a prisoner of sin. From greed to gossip, from immoral thoughts to immoral desires to immoral actions—the whole world is captive to evil. Jesus said that “all these evils come from inside and defile a person” (Mark 7:21-23 NIV). Because of the sin inside us, the law shows us the way to hope—the certain promises of God. Here’s what Paul told the Galatians. 

Galatians 3:21-22
Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

The law does not contradict God’s promises but moves us to God’s promises. The law is the road to hope. And our hope is in Jesus alone. Paul explains that “the Law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith” (Gal. 3:24 NKJV). 

So, have you been justified by faith? Have you given up trying to get to God by keeping his commandments…and always failing? Have you allowed your failure to lead you to hope, to Jesus whose work on the cross forgives, cleanses, and justifies? If you haven’t been justified by faith, that is, declared “Not guilty” and accredited with the sinless life of Jesus—please pray the following prayer with me. 

Father, I have tried to keep the commandments, do good works, and check all the religious boxes, and I am still empty and hopeless. Today I acknowledge that the law is my teacher to lead me to Jesus. He is my great Hope, my certain confidence. Today I trust in Jesus. In his name, I pray. Amen.  

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!