Jared C Wilson at Here We Still Stand
Romans 3:19-26--"Putting the Law In It's Place"
The gospel as good news does not exist as an idea or theory. You have to take it personally.
The Law's function is good in design. We cannot be flippant about the law. The Law is not bad, but it cannot do what the gospel does. It reveals the holiness of God. It reveals we are fallen.
The Law's indictment is total in impact. The law is not manageable. Christ's makes the impact of the law greater. Luther-"All of life is repentance". Sin affects all people and all of life. None of our motives are unmixed.
Our imperfect faith merits the perfect righteousness in Christ. It's not the strength of your faith that saves, It's the strength of your Savior. It's not bad news if you can kind of make it.
The Law's fulfillment is gifted in grace. The gospel is more than just forgiveness of sins. Keeping the law is what Christ was doing on the cross. We are saved by works, just not our own. We are gifted forgiveness and the perfect righteousness of Christ. How gracious is God--He gives what He demands. Justification is not only "just as if I never sinned", but also "just as if I always obeyed." God gives a blank slate and the fulfillment of the law in our place.
The Law's curse is vanquished in faith. Every sin will be punished--either in hell or on the cross. There is no loophole. The wages of sin is death. Someone has to pay for sins--and Jesus did on the cross. Propitiation is not in fashion today. Galatians 3:13. He has canceled the record of debt.
Gospel Caboosed-Preaching 45 minutes of law and then throwing the gospel in at the end.
There is more than one way to be legalistic. Legalism is not just "thou shalt nots" but also tips/steps we tell people to do.
I had a notebook full of steps to do when my life fell apart. The notebooks of steps didn't work. But I heard from God not just "I love you", but also "I approve of you in Christ."
In Christ, you are as secure as Christ is.
The gospel exceeds the law in glory.
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