goal for life as well. Every time I study the Word, and especially a portion such as Phil- ippians, I always get something refreshing for my soul. We are given such practical examples as Paul's desire to be found in Christ, not having his own righteousness, but rather a strong and abiding faith in Christ (3:9). This is the heart of salvation in a capsule form. John pointed out that "The law was given by Moses, but righteous ness and truth came through Jesus Christ our Lord." There is a vast difference between the righteous ness that comes from man and the keeping of law as over against the righteousness which comes by faith through Jesus Christ as personal Redeemer. It is generally true that it is more difficult to dislodge a legalist from the law than it is a pagan from his ritualistic ceremon ies and sacrifices. This is one of the dangers in setting such a high pri ority on such days as Christmas, Lent, and Easter. Such times of wor ship are certainly not found on the pages of Scripture. This is not to say that we are not to commem orate Easter, or that we ought not to celebrate Christmas. Jesus was born, and after a sinless life He was put to death on the cross. We need to be very careful that we do not bring ritual into such spir itual ceremonies. The question then comes, "If keeping God's law avails nothing for righteousness in His sight, why was it ever given in the first place?" Cod spoke all of these words of the law to Moses in the Old Tes tament. They are recorded for us in the pages of Scripture. They are given to show us Cod's per fect standard and to reveal our hu
man depravity and sinfulness. To bring all men off of their false hope in the obedience to the Old Testament law, three things be come evident. First of all, the law, having been broken by men, can only condemn them. Second, ev en were men enabled now to be gin keeping perfectly the law of God, this could not make up for our past disobedience or remove any present guilt. Finally, keeping the law is not God's way of salva tion or blessing. Here in Philip- pians 3:9 Paul makes it crystal clear that he wanted to be found in Christ, not having his own right eousness which was of the law. He wanted the righteousness which comes through faith alone in the Saviour. Therefore, what could not be produced by man is now pro vided for man as God's supreme free gift. This is what grace is all about. I am convinced that after these years of Bible study in my own life that these verses, Philippians 3:9 and Romans 3:4 are some of the most important words in the whole Bible. The fact that spiritual right eousness does not come by keep ing the law must not be overlooked. It does not come through the works of your own self-righteousness. Salvation is only through faith in Jesus Christ who has already ac complished on the cross what needs to be done so that we might possess everlasting life. If you understand this you under stand the basic thrust of the Bible. Failing to comprehend you will be in darkness concerning most of the teaching of the Word. Here is the revelation of God's being and man's sin. It shows His righteous ness. This is the great key to his- Page 37
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