Compiled By: Lisa K Gonzales
From: The Life Application Study Bible
18 “Yes, the old requirement about the priesthood was set aside because it was weak and useless. 19 For the law made nothing perfect, and now a better hope has taken its place. And that is how we draw near to GOD.” ~ Hebrews 7:18-19
The law was not intended to save people but to point out sin: “For no one can ever be made right in GOD’s sight by doing what HIS law commands. For the more we know GOD’s law, the clearer it becomes that we are not obeying it.” – Romans 3:20 – Because of the law, we know that we are helpless sinners and that we must come to Jesus Christ for mercy. We do not earn salvation by keeping the law – no one except Christ ever kept or could keep GOD’s law perfectly – but we do please GOD when our life conforms to HIS revealed will for us. – “GOD’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, GOD’s wonderful kindness became more abundant.” – Romans 5:20 – As a sinner, separated from GOD, you see HIS law from below, as a ladder to be climbed to get to GOD. Perhaps you have repeatedly tried to climb it, only to fall to the ground every time you have advanced one or two rungs. Or perhaps the sheer height of the ladder seems so overwhelming that you have never even started up. In either case, what relief you should feel to see Jesus offering with open arms to lift you above the ladder of the law, to take you directly to GOD! Once Jesus lifts you into GOD’s presence, you are free to obey – out of love, not necessity, and through GOD’s power, not your own. You know that if you stumble, you will not fall back to the ground. Instead, you will be caught and held in Christ’s loving arms.
The law also points us to Christ: 24 “Let me put it another way. The law was our guardian and teacher to lead us until Christ came. So now, through faith in Christ, we are made right with GOD. 25 But now that faith in Christ has come, we no longer need the law as our guardian.” – Galatians 3:24-25 – The picture of the law as a guardian is similar to a tutor giving a young child supervision. We no longer need that kind of supervision. The law teaches us the need for salvation; GOD’s grace gives us that salvation. The Old Testament still applies today. In it, GOD reveals HIS nature, HIS will for humanity, HIS moral laws, and HIS guidelines for living. But we cannot be saved by keeping that law; we must trust in Christ. Salvation comes through Christ, whose sacrifice brings forgiveness for our sins. Being ethical, working diligently to help others, and giving to charitable causes are all commendable, but all of our good deeds cannot save us or make us right with GOD. There is a “better hope”.
Thank You Jesus – there is a better hope! Thank You for Your sacrifice, Your mercy, and Your love. Thank You for taking away, not only the sins of the earth, but my sins. Now I know that even when I stumble I will not fall because You are there to catch me and hold me in Your loving arms.
Photo: Pigeon Forge (Tennessee)
Photo By: Lisa K Gonzales
Click on the photo to enlarge
