Righteousness Not Through the Law
The extraordinary, unfair trade
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I do not set aside God’s grace, because if righteousness could come through the law, then Christ died for nothing!
Galatians 2:21 (NET)
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As a struggling perfectionist, this one hits home.
I want to believe that I can be good enough. That I could, somehow, reach perfection. At least my heart strives for it.
Of course, I can’t.
Righteousness can’t come through the law, it only shows our flaws.
At first glance the law looks like a list of do’s and don’ts. It’s enticing to think I can just follow the list and things will work out.
But then I dig into the list, the law, and see that it’s utterly unattainable for me.
I don’t have the skillset to pull it off. I’m broken. Sin has marred me and prevents me from doing righteous acts through the law.
Even the righteous things I might do are tainted by sin, such as selfish motivations, pride, etc.
Only Jesus could live a completely righteous, sinless life.
It’s quite extraordinary.
I mean by definition it’s beyond ordinary for Him to do that. Yet when I really sit and think about it, it’s remarkable that Jesus could walk on earth, experience life in a similar way to me, and yet do it all without sin.
What’s more than extraordinary?
That Christ offers His righteous works as substitute for our unrighteous rags if we would only place our faith in Him.
That’s the great exchange.
An unfair trade, but one I’m forever grateful for.
— Ricky Ketchum
Copyright © 2025 by Ricky Ketchum. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.
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