Christian Message Boards: BUT NOW

This is topic BUT NOW in forum Bible Topics & Study at Christian Message Boards.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://thechristianbbs.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=007655

Posted by WildB (Member # 2917) on :

by Cornelius R. Stam

The words "but now" are found in many places in the Bible, but most often in the Epistles of Paul. These two words are deeply significant, for they indicate a change in program. If my secretary is transcribing some dictation and I say: "But now I would like you to take a letter," this indicates a change in program.

So it is with this phrase as we find it in Rom. 3:21: "But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested." Prior to this time God's people were under the Law. There was no other way to approach Him. But though under the Law, they constantly broke the Law, so that those who sought salvation by the Law stood before God condemned rather than justified. Thus the Apostle says in Verse 20:

"Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight for by the law is the knowledge of sin."

"But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested"(Ver. 21).

How can this be? How can a man be declared righteous apart from the Law? The answer, the only answer is, by grace through faith in Christ. Though perfect and sinless, Christ died for sin. Whose sin? Yours and mine. Thus as Paul declares in Acts 13:38, 39:

"Through this Man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins, and by Him all who believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses."

"Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith, without the deeds of the law"
(Rom. 3:28).

Posted by MentorsRiddle (Member # 2108) on :

This is such an important message, WIldB.

So often, even now in the modern church, you see practice of law.

God realized that the law was not sufficient for man – for our wicked nature will not allow us to remain in favor with God under the law; for we cannot fulfill the demands of the law.

Thank the Lord that his son, Jesus Christ, died for us that we may have salvation through faith in him and what he did for us at the cross.

Thank you for posting, WildB.