Only One

 

 Toni M. Babcock

Nothing fills us with a deeper sense of inadequacy than reading the exhaustive list of ritual rules and obligations as recorded in the book of Leviticus spelled out in exacting detail, with its accompanying blessings and curses.

Was God wrong in presenting such an exhaustive list to the Hebrew people through Moses? 

Of course not, God is God, and we are not — He makes His own rules. The point being, we all fall short of God’s glory and need a measuring stick to show us just how far we do (cf. Romans 3:23 CSB).

But God also made a promise to Abraham before Moses ever revealed the law. 

God promised Abraham he would become “the father of many nations” and Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness” (Galatians 3:6-9 CSB). Abraham wasn’t made righteous because he kept a set of rules, but by grace through faith in God’s promise (cf. Ephesians 2:8-9 CSB).

The Apostle Paul brings further clarity on the subject in the book of Galatians: “For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, because it is written, Everyone who does not do everything written in the book of the law is cursed.” (Galatians 3:10 CSB) (cf. Deuteronomy 27:26 CSB).

“Now it is clear that no one is justified before God by the law, because the righteous will live by faith.” (Galatians 3: 12 CSB). “The law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith… (Galatians 3:24 KJV).

“Is the law therefore contrary to God’s promises? Absolutely not! For if the law had been granted with the ability to give life, then righteousness would certainly be on the basis of the law” Paul wrote. (Galatians 3:21 CSB).

There’s only One has the ability to give life, and One who fulfilled the law perfectly. 

Only One who died for our sins, and One who rose again and redeemed us with His precious blood. 

His name is Jesus. Trust in Him.

Toni is author of Reflections from the Heart. Contact