
But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets… –Romans 3:21
THE LAW
Moral Code (Ten Commandments)
Spiritual Code (blood sacrifices)
Social Code (sanitary laws)
For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse; for it is written (in Deuteronomy 27:26), “Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, to perform them.” –Galatians 3:10
Matthew 5:27,28; Matthew 23:25
“Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” –John 1:29
The Old Testament ritual system for the priesthood, temple worship, furniture, and the tabernacle itself pointed to Messiah-Savior who would fulfil all these things in Himself.
THE PROPHETS
Now that no one is justified by the law before God is evident, for “the righteous man shall live by faith (Habakkuk 2:4).” –Galatians 3:11
“Behold, the days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch; and He will reign as king and act wisely and do justice and righteousness in the land. In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely; and this is His name by which He will be called, ‘The LORD our righteousness (Jehovah Tsidkenu).’” –Jeremiah 23:5,6
Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness. –Genesis 15:6
Psalm 143:1,2; Psalm 32:1,2
As a result of the anguish of His soul, He will see it and be satisfied; by His knowledge the Righteous One, My Servant, will justify the many, as He will bear their iniquities. –Isaiah 53:11
Indeed, there is not a just man on earth who does good and never sins. –Ecclesiastes 7:20
We are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags in God’s sight… –Isaiah 64:6
…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus… –Romans 3:23,24
JUSTIFIED – Declared without guilt, legally & completely righteous, happens all at once
2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 1:18,19
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES
GraceSTL.org/Weekend-Resources
Discussion Questions
1. What is sin? Why do you think some people believe they’ve never sinned? How would you help them recognize their guilt?
2. What would you say to someone who tells you that they will get into heaven because they are pretty good people and do a lot of good for others?
3. Read 1 Peter 1:18,19. Peter thought it important to point out that you were not redeemed with something corruptible. Why do you suppose that is important enough for him to emphasize?