From: "Phil Rembleski" <PHIl@rescuechurchofchrist.org>
To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"
Sent: Wed, Apr 27, 2022 at 6:01 AM
Subject: 4-27-22 THOUGHTS
4-27-22 THOUGHTS
Much of the New Testament is concerned with the OLD COVENANT and the NEW COVENANT. The reading below is one of the best places to set perspective on this issue. The Law (Old Covenant) absolutely proved that man was incapable of keeping the law. Romans 3:23 concludes that “all have sinned and come short”. Man needed a Savior! Gal 3:24 “the Law has become our tutor [to lead us] to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith.” The blessing of Abraham (see Gen 12:1-3) becomes the basis of reasoning! Promise and Faith do what Law was never designed to do, nor could it attain.
Gal 3:13-29 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us — for it is written, "CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE" — 14 in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. 15 Brethren, I speak in terms of human relations: even though it is only a man’s covenant, yet when it has been ratified, no one sets it aside or adds conditions to it. 16 Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He does not say, "And to seeds," as referring to many, but rather to one, "And to your seed," that is, Christ. 17 What I am saying is this: the Law, which came four hundred and thirty years later, does not invalidate a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to nullify the promise. 18 For if the inheritance is based on law, it is no longer based on a promise; but God has granted it to Abraham by means of a promise. 19 Why the Law then? It was added because of transgressions, having been ordained through angels by the agency of a mediator, until the seed would come to whom the promise had been made. 20 Now a mediator is not for one party only;whereas God is only one. 21 Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God? May it never be! For if a law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law. 22 But the Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. 23 But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed. 24 Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. 26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise.
My Prayer:
Your ways of dealing with us, O God, have been marvelous from the beginning. Promises, and the fulfillment of promises, have placed us in your grace with the hope of eternal life with You. Your love has filled eternity. Messiah Jesus has perfected your plan to save us, and the victory has been won. Gratefully, we praise You and exalt You O Father God. May our lives bless You and the Kingdom as we try to be light in a world of darkness. Strengthen us, O God.
In Jesus name, Amen.