Category: New Testament

The Righteous Will Live by Faith

Scripture: Galatians 3: 10-14

All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith.” The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, “The man who does these things will live by them.” Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

Scripture Commentary: Live by faith

Paul quoted Deuteronomy 27:26 to prove that contrary to what the Judaizers claimed, the law cannot justify and save, it can only condemn. Breaking even one commandment brings a person under condemnation. And because everyone has broken commandments, everyone stands condemned.  We are to live by faith in Christ to be saved.

The law can do nothing to reverse the condemnation. But Christ took the curse of the law upon himself when he hung on the cross. He did this so we wouldn’t have to bear our own punishment. The only condition is that we accept Christ’s death on our behalf as the means to be saved.

Trying to be right with God by our own effort doesn’t work. Good intentions such as “I’ll do better next time” or “I’ll never do that again” usually end in failure.

God has kept his promise, he has not revoked it, though thousands of years have passed. Circumstances may change, but God remains constant and does not break his promises.

He has promised to forgive our sins through Jesus Christ, and He has done so.

 

Read the Entire Chapter:
Galatians Chapter 3

Also Referenced:
Deuteronomy Chapter 27

Christ is the True Vine

Scripture: John 15: 1-5

I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.  Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.  Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.  Abide in me, and I in you.  As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.  I am the vine, and ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Scripture Commentary: Be close to Jesus like a branch to a vine

Is God pruning you?  What kind of fruit are you producing?  Many people try to be good honest people who do what is right.  You live a truly good life by staying close to Jesus Christ, like a branch attached to the vine.  Jesus Christ is the vine, and God is the gardener who cares for the branches to make them fruitful.

We are the branches.  The fruitful branches are true believers who, by their living union with Jesus Christ, produce much fruit.  The unproductive branches are people who turn back from following Jesus after making a superficial commitment.  God will separate them from himself.  The unproductive followers are as good as dead because they follow themselves. God cuts them off and tosses them aside.

Jesus Christ makes a distinction between two kinds of pruning, separating and cutting back branches.  God cuts back our fruitful branches to promote growth; discipline strengthens our faith.  God cuts off others because they are worthless and they infect the rest of the vine.

Are you pruned?  Or are you being cut off?

Read the Entire Chapter:
John Chapter 15