The Role of Law

1
The Role of Law

• Man is justified by the law of faith. Rom.
  319-30

2
Introduction

• In the previous sermon we saw how the apostle
  Paul taught
• The power of the gospel resides in the
  righteousness of God through Jesus. Rom. 116-17
• Man is saved not of his own righteousness but
  that of Gods through faith in/through Jesus.

3
Introduction

• In this lesson we look specifically at the role
  of law in the justification of man.
• Through law (or the Law) all men fall short of
  Gods righteousness.
• Yet, through the Law of Faith Gods
  righteousness is demonstrated.

4
The Law Condemns All

• Accountability (guilt) is directly linked to
  law.
• Without law there is no condemnation (no
  accountability). Rom. 414-15
• Through the law comes the knowledge of sin, thus
  accountability. Rom. 320
• We know that law (thus accountability) has
  existed since the days of Adam. cp. Rom. 512-13

5
The Law Condemns All

• The Gentiles are accountable because
• God revealed Himself to them through nature. Rom.
  118
• God revealed Himself through ordinances (divine
  revelation). Rom. 132
• Before Moses (Heb. 11) Abel, v. 4 Enoch, v. 5
  Noah, v. 7 Abraham and Sarah, vs. 118-11
• Melchizedek, Heb. 71 Jethro, Exo. 31
• Even today through His ordinances are manifest
  through governing authorities making Gentiles
  without excuse. Cp. Rom. 131-4

6
The Law Condemns All

• The Jews are also accountable because
• They had the Law (of Moses), knew the law, and
  condemned the Gentiles for their lifestyles
  contrary to the Law. Rom. 21
• Yet, God would judge them as they had a specially
  written covenant. Cp. Rom. 21-3 Jas. 31

7
The Law Condemns All

• Through law.
• Jews and Greeks who practice sin are found guilty
  before God. Rom. 21-3, 9, 12
• Conversely, Jews and Greeks who are doers of the
  law (practice righteousness) receive glory,
  honor, and peace. Rom. 25-7, 10, 13-16
• The conclusion (Jew/Gentile) all are guilty.
  Rom. 39-20
• The question So how is anyone justified before
  God?

8
Justification Comes by Law, But Which One?

• Not by the Law of Works.
• No flesh is justified before God because through
  the law comes the knowledge of sin. Rom. 320
• Therefore, there is no boasting in mans
  righteousness because there is none. Rom. 319
• Because all have fallen short of Gods glory.

9
Justification Comes by Law, But Which One?

• But, by the Law of Faith (apart from the Law
  of Moses).
• This is a person who is saved not as a righteous
  person, but as a pardoned criminal.
• His faith is professed in Jesus Christ, His
  great (and mighty) Redeemer. Rom. 109
• His faith in Christ is manifested by keeping
  His teaching. Rom. 63-4 (Matt. 2819-20 Mk.
  1616 Lk. 2446-47)

10
Conclusion

• All (Jew and Gentile) are guilty and fall short
  of the glory of God.
• Through the Law of Faith (in Christ), however,
  man is justified.