The apostle Paul wrote:
“Because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin. But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction” Romans 3: 20 – 22

What is Paul saying? 

 In summary:  Justification does not come from and cannot be earned by our own efforts.

Whether one is a Jew or a Gentile, it is not possible to make it happen – we just cannot do it on our own.

But the good news is that God’s righteousness has come to us, apart from any of our own doings. And my dear friend, this is only possible and made available to us through the gift of grace, in the person of Messiah Yeshua.

Paul later adds,
“For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from works of the Law” (Romans 3:28).

So, does that mean that we nullify the Law through our faith? Should we go as far as completely overlooking the Law in our Bible?

Unfortunately, many Christians have basically done just that. And are missing so much.

Even though the New Testament teaches that by the works of the Law no man shall be justified, this does not mean that the Law is no longer relevant, as many believers are taught.  Paul actually addressed this very issue directly and head-on: 

“Do we then nullify the Law through faith? May it never be” (Romans 3:31)!

In other words, just because we cannot be justified through the Law, it does not mean that we ignore or discard it. Please listen closely, the Law wonderfully reveals to us who Father is and brings revelation about how to walk with Him.  It speaks to us of God’s holiness and of His deep compassion. The Law speaks of God’s heart for the oppressed and the needy. Here is one great example:

“When you reap the harvest of your land, moreover, you shall not reap to the very edges of your field nor gather the gleaning of your harvest; you are to leave them for the needy and the stranger” (Leviticus 23:22).

The Law reflects to us who God is and what is important to Him.

Studying the Law enables us to discern between good and evil, right from wrong and know the truth from a lie. Through this knowledge, we become mature and learn how to follow the Spirit in Messiah Jesus. Not as those who are living under the Law, or as those who are trying to earn their salvation through the Law but rather as those that understand that God’s Law is a part of His self-revelation.

Beloved, let’s not make the mistake of thinking that the Law has no relevance today. On the contrary, there is tremendous value. There are incredible riches and nuggets of truth that we can uncover and receive by reading and studying God’s Law. It is still meaningful and important today.

“So then, the Law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good” (Romans 7:12).

Love & Shalom,
Rabbi