One line again today, Galatians 2:21b … “For if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.”
What?
“THEN CHRIST IS DEAD IN VAIN?”
Did Paul really think that?
In other words: “If a man can get ‘saved’ by the Law of Moses … then the Death Jesus would not have been a necessity!”
“For IF righteousness come by the law” … then there are two ways to Heaven! Jesus’ Shed Blood … and perfect obedience to the Law of the Old Testament!
Then, reasons Paul, WHY did our Lord have to suffer like He did?
The verb “vain” (in Greek “dorean”) as used in today’s Text merely means “without a cause!”
Here’s “dorean” used that way: “But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me WITHOUT A CAUSE.” Jesus in John 15:25.
Jesus died “without cause?”
“Dorean” also means “for nought,” for nothing!
Here is the one time our King James Bible utilizes the word that way: “Neither did we (Paul and his ‘team’) eat any man’s bread FOR NOUGHT; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you.” 2 Thessalonians 3:8
Jesus died “for nought?”
NO WAY!
Jesus’ LOVE GIFT of Himself on Calvary’s Cross … His “attempt” to save us lost sinners … then would have been superfluous! Had the Law of Moses been capable of saving those same lost sinners!
That’s how Paul is thinking here!
But wait a minute!
Jesus once said, preached: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6
Peter later basically echoed these words: “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name (than JESUS) under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12, very clear!
And Paul, elsewhere? “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.” Romans 3:28, by faith in Jesus!
Enough has already been said.
THE LAW CAN NOT BRING RIGHTEOUSNESS INTO A HUMAN HEART.
IT CANNOT PUT A MAN INTO GOD’S FAMILY!
NEITHER CAN THE LAW KEEP A SINNER OUT OF HELL!
Only Jesus can do such a Thing as redeem a lost soul!
Glory to His Name!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell