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Are We Justified by the Law of Moses
by Willie Alvarenga
!
Introduction
1.
The question under consideration is one that has been asked for centuries.
2. Sadly to say, there are many who still have not understood the biblical answer to this very important question.
a.
This has been the case with some of our brethren, as well as denominations around the world.
3. It is the purpose of this lesson to discuss vital information pertaining to the correct answer to the question under consideration.
4. In this lesson I would like to discuss the following points:
a.
The context of the book of Romans in relation to the law of Moses and the doctrine of justification.
b.
Reasons why the law of Moses cannot justify men.
c.
The serious consequences of trying to seek justification through the law of Moses.
d.
Finally, the location and manner of justification.
5.
As I present this lesson, let me encourage each of you to please carefully consider the following passages: Acts 17:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:21 & 1 John 4:1.
a.
Let me remind you that we can understand God’s Word in relation to the matter under discussion (cf.
John 7:17; Ephesians 3:4).
6.
Also let me encourage you to please make plans to practice those things we need to do in order to please our heavenly Father (cf.
James 1:22; John 14:15).
7. Therefore, having considered these things, let us examine the evidence that proves that we are not justified through the law of Moses.
I.
The Context of the Book of Romans in Relation to the Law of Moses and the Doctrine of Justification.
A. What is the central theme of the book of Romans?
1.
A diligent study of this book will reveal that the central theme of Romans is: The Gospel is God’s Power to the salvation of men.
2. Also, we can rightly conclude that the book of Romans stresses the doctrine that justification is obtained by means of an obedient faith in Christ (cf.
Romans 1:5; 16:26; 3:23).
B. Paul, in the book of Romans, as well as in Galatians, dealt with the problem of justification through the works of the law of Moses.
1.
There were some Jews in the first century who believed and taught that man is justified by keeping the law of Moses (cf.
Acts 15).
2. Paul very succinctly taught that justification came only by an obedient faith in Christ.
Several passages will be cited later on to prove this point.
C. Let us consider a brief overview of the first 7 chapters of Romans:
1.
In chapter one Paul establishes the fact that Gentiles are lost in sin and stand in need of justification (esp.
vss.
18-32).
2. In chapter two he establishes that Jews are lost in sin and stand in need of justification.
3.
In chapter three Paul establishes that Gentiles and Jews are lost in sin and need to be justified of their sins through faith in Jesus Christ.
4. In chapter four the apostle presents a powerful argument (Abraham) to refute to the Jews that justification is obtained by an obedient faith and not by the works of the law of Moses.
5.
In chapter five as well as chapter 8, the apostle teaches about the great blessings those who are in Christ enjoy, because they have obeyed the gospel of Christ.
6.
In chapter six Paul speaks about the reality of the sin problem and how the grace of God, which those who have obeyed the gospel enjoy, is able to help them overcome sin.
7.
In chapter seven the apostle teaches about how we are no longer living under the old law, but the Law of Christ.
8.
In summary, the entire letter to the Romans, as well as Galatians, teaches that salvation, justification, and redemption comes through an obedient faith in Christ, and not through the works of the law of Moses.
D. Let me encourage each of us to carefully study these two great letters.
Do not be intimidated by those who teach that Romans cannot be understood.
God has given us His Word, and such CAN be understood (cf.
Ephesians 3:4).
II.
Reasons Why the Law of Moses Could Not Justify Men.
A. Let us consider a few reasons why the law of Moses cannot justify man:
1. Reason # 1: The apostles’ doctrine clearly taught that man cannot be justified through the law of Moses.
a. Paul established this point when he was preaching at Antioch of Pisidia (Acts 13:39).
b.
Paul also made the same argument when he wrote to the saints at Rome (cf.
Romans 3:20, 28), and when he rebuked Peter (cf.
Galatians 2:16).
c.
The apostle Peter also made this point at the Jerusalem council.
Please read Acts 15:8-11 concerning this point.
2. Reason # 2: Men today are not under the law of Moses, but the Law of Christ.
a.
A change of law was prophesied under the Old Testament (cf.
Jeremiah 31:31-34).
b.
In the Old Testament Moses said that we would listen to a new Prophet that was to come, Jesus Christ (Deuteronomy 18:15-18; cf.
Acts 3:22-26).
c.
God himself taught us that we needed to listen to Jesus (cf.
Matthew 17:5), not Elijah or Moses.
This, obviously, does not mean that we do not appreciate the work these two men did in the Old Testament.
d.
The truth that we no longer live under the Old Testament law was emphasized by the apostle Paul (cf.
Romans 7:1-6; Galatians 4:4-5; Ephesians 2:13-16; Colossians 2:14 and Hebrews 8:7-13).
e. Jesus himself also made the argument that we are under His New Law, not the law of Moses (cf.
Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28, 33-34, 38-39; 26:28).
f.
Justification cannot be obtained through the law of Moses but only through Jesus Christ (cf.
Galatians 2:16).
g.
Notice what Brother Wayne Jackson commented concerning this point under consideration, “This ‘justification’ status, Paul says, cannot be achieved by means of the Mosaic law.
And why not?
Because the Old Testament had only the offerings of animals, which could never, on an ultimate basis, remedy sin (Heb.
10:1-4).
If salvation could have been accessed, strictly on the basis of Moses’ law, then Jesus died needlessly (Gal.
2:21).
Christ had to function as the Lamb of God for the potential benefit of humanity in every historical period (Gal.
4:4; Heb.
9:15).
3.
As we can see, there is plenty of evidence that proves we are not under the law of Moses, but under the Law of Christ.
4. Notice what Brother Alan E. Highers commented about the difference between the Old and the New Testament:
a. “There is a difference between the law and the gospel.
The gospel is the power of God unto salvation (Rom.
1:16), but those who would be justified by the law are fallen from grace (Gal.
5:4).
Therefore, the animal sacrifices, Sabbath observance, instrumental music and other practices under the law do not constitute the pattern for us today”
5. Sadly to say, there are many who still believe that they are obligated to keep the law of Moses.
The internal evidence from Scripture we have considered clearly teaches that this cannot be the case.
B. Let us keep in mind that we must rightly divide the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).
III.
The Serious Consequences of Seeking Justification through the Law of Moses.
A. What are the terrible consequences of seeking justification through the law of Moses?
Let us consider the teaching of the Bible as we seek to answer this question:
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