Reading: The Cross of Christ pg. 115-124
For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall 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 hanged on a tree”
Galatians 3.10-13
Another way of explaining the moral necessity of the divine “satisfaction” at the cross has been to exalt the law. Sin is ‘lawlessness’ (1 Jn 3.4), a disregard for God’s law and disobedience of it. But the law cannot be broken with impunity. Sinners therefore must incur the penalty of their law breaking. They cannot simply be let off. The law must be upheld, its dignity defended and its just penalties paid. The law is thereby ‘satisfied’…God loves us sinners and longs to save us, but cannot do so by violating the law which has justly condemned us. Hence the cross, in which the penalty of the law was paid and its sanctity vindicated. | Stott pg. 115, 116
Since Eden, human beings have not been able to live to the standards of God’s law. What then, is its purpose? What are some of the ways that we tend to misuse the Law?
Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes;
and I will keep it to the end.
Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
and observe it with my whole heart.
Lead me in the path of your commandments,
for I delight in it. Psalm 119.33-35