OF THE LAW OF GOD ch.19

"The one who does them shall live by them." (Galatians 3:12)

1. Many in the church today misunderstand the balance between law and grace and the necessity of God's code of character for the believer. (The Problem)
   Para 1.; Para 5.

Two Views of the Law
a. Those who rely on legalism or salvation-For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; (Luke 18:9-13; ESV)
b. Those who abandon any moral code-for it is written, "cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, and do them." (Deuteronomy 27:26)
2. God has saved each believer from the condemnation of their sin but He has NOT removed the requirement to live in outward righteousness. (The Correction)
Para 6.
a. It should be clear from experience that we are not able to live in perfect obedience-Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, "For the righteous shall live by faith. (Habakkuk 2:4)
b. God never intended the law to be the means of salvation BUT a code of character-but the law is not of faith, rather "the one who does them shall live by them." (Leviticus 18:5); Romans 4:13-16
c. Living in legalism attempts to substitute ourselves in Christ's place-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."-(Deuteronomy 21:23)
d. Living outside the moral code proves we are outside of Christ-so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, (I Peter 3:8-12; ESV)
3. We MUST live in conformance to God's divine law as a mark of regeneration (code of character). (The Follow-Through) so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.