“And [all] are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus…Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law."

Romans 3:24;31
Jerry was in a big hurry to see his fiancé. He had just gotten out of school for the summer. Coming into his small hometown, he failed to slow down to the speed limit. There it was: the siren on Officer Harley’s patrol car. Now he was not only delayed but was going to get a speeding ticket, too!
 
“Hello, Officer Harley. I’m sorry. I am just so eager to see Janice, I didn’t pay attention to my speed.” “OK, Jerry. I’ll let this one go with just a warning. Get on to Janice’s, but obey the law now.”
 
Did Officer Harley’s warning nullify the speed limit law? No, it verified it. If it didn’t exist, there would have been no traffic stop and no need for leniency at all. Likewise, the fact that we are justified freely by God’s grace does not nullify God’s law. Rather it shows how immutable it is. Christ had to die in our place before we could be freely justified; that’s a lot more than just writing us a warning ticket. The law is upheld by the sacrifice of Christ, and we can get on with life, pleasing God under His grace.
 



Scripture Focus

Romans 3:21-31

Insight

All of us are guilty, and all who believe the Gospel are forgiven. Any obedience flows from a heart of thankfulness.  

Bible In A Year

  • Deuteronomy 33-34
  • Psalm 96
  • Acts 20

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