Salvation by Faith and Faith Alone
Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the
faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might
be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by
the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Galatians 2:16.
The Galatians, having accepted the gospel, were led astray by false teachers
who presented to them "another gospel," a counterfeit gospel,
since there is but one for all time and for all men.
The counterfeit
gospel was represented in these words: "Unless you are circumcised
according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved." Now, although
there is in these days no question as to whether or not a man should submit
to the specific rite of circumcision in order to be saved, the question of
salvation itself, whether by human works or by Christ alone, is as alive as
ever.
Instead of attacking
their error and combating it with hard argument, the apostle begins with an
experience which illustrates the case in hand. In this narrative he shows
that salvation is wholly by faith for all men alike, and not in any degree
by works. As Christ tasted death for every man, so every man who is saved
must have Christ's personal experience of death and resurrection and life.
Christ in the flesh does what the law cannot do. Galatians 2:21; Romans
8:3,4.
But that very fact
witnesses to the righteousness of the law. If the law were at fault, Christ
would not fulfill its demands. He shows its righteousness by fulfilling or
doing what it demands, not simply for us but in us. We do not "nullify
the grace of God." If righteousness could come by the law, "then
Christ died to no purpose."
But to claim that the
law could be abolished, or could relax its claims and thus be of no account,
is also to say that Christ is dead in vain. Let it be repeated,
righteousness cannot possibly come by the law, but only by the faith of
Christ. But the fact that the righteousness of the law could be attained in
no other way by us than by the crucifixion and resurrection and life of
Christ in us shows the infinite greatness and holiness of the law.
The Glad Tidings, pgs. 49, 50
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