Galatians 2:21 & 3:21

[StJohnCalvin]

I do not nullify the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly. (Gal 2:21 NASB)


Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God? May it never be! For if a law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law. (Gal 3:21 NASB)


If anyone, at any given time in the entire history of this Earth, was ever justified by or through the Law, then Christ died needlessly. There has never been a law given which was able (had the power) to impart life or justification (righteousness). Righteousness (Justification) has only ever come through Christ Jesus our Lord. If anyone was ever justified by or through the Law before the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord, then Christ died needlessly. The thrust of these two verses can only be understood in this light.

[Jerrysch]

If anyone, at any given time in the entire history of this Earth, was ever justified by or through the Law, then Christ died needlessly. There has never been a law given which was able (had the power) to impart life or justification (righteousness). Righteousness (Justification) has only ever come through Christ Jesus our Lord. If anyone was ever justified by or through the Law before the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord, then Christ died needlessly. The thrust of these two verses can only be understood in this light.


I have been thinking on this consept this week... even a murderer who doesn't kill anyone today would for today be thought of as one who obeyed the law, and yet his obediance to the law (today) does not make him just in the sight of the law. Indeed there is but one way a man can be found justified before our Holy and Just God, and that is by faith, as the father of our faith Abraham. :wave:

[heymikey80]

If anyone, at any given time in the entire history of this Earth, was ever justified by or through the Law, then Christ died needlessly. There has never been a law given which was able (had the power) to impart life or justification (righteousness). Righteousness (Justification) has only ever come through Christ Jesus our Lord. If anyone was ever justified by or through the Law before the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord, then Christ died needlessly. The thrust of these two verses can only be understood in this light.

Just a qualification. I agree with you, just keep in mind some may point out, Jesus Christ Himself followed the Law. At some point you may get that argument. NT Wright pointed out something which is a good argument on this point, though: Jesus Christ was already just, the Law simply bore witness to the fact. And Jesus would indeed have died needlessly if anyone else were declared righteous by the Law.

Also, if anyone wanted to know, the Law itself condemns us explicitly (Rom 3:9-19). We don't need to test & measure up to the commands to discover its verdict.

[Jerrysch]

Just a qualification. I agree with you, just keep in mind some may point out, Jesus Christ Himself followed the Law. At some point you may get that argument. NT Wright pointed out something which is a good argument on this point, though: Jesus Christ was already just, the Law simply bore witness to the fact. And Jesus would indeed have died needlessly if anyone else were declared righteous by the Law.

Also, if anyone wanted to know, the Law itself condemns us explicitly (Rom 3:9-19). We don't need to test & measure up to the commands to discover its verdict.

You are correct all we have to do is just sit there :thumbsup: