For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—
–Romans 3:20-21
It’s interesting how people love to pick and choose which parts of Christian teaching they want to follow. I’ve heard people say, “Well, my religion is the Ten Commandments. I figure if I can keep those, I’m doing pretty good.” But the truth is that not one of us has ever perfectly kept the Ten Commandments.
Someone else said, “You know, I just live by the Sermon on the Mount.” Oh really? So you believe you’ve done a good job at following the command to “be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48)? It’s not possible.
When people say, “If I could just keep the commandments…” or “If I could live out the Sermon on the Mount…” that’s a very big if. In fact, it’s an impossible if! So our righteousness can’t come through obedience to the Law, it must be manifested apart from obedience to the Law.
True righteousness – the only kind God accepts – is only available through a faith relationship with Jesus Christ. So if you’re a believer, thank God for that gift today. If you aren’t, take that step right now, placing your faith in Christ, and receive the righteousness He’s promised you!
TRUST IN CHRIST, NOT OBEDIENCE, AS THE ONLY SOURCE OF YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS BEFORE GOD!
