Today, reply is made on divine provisions to determine (judge) a person’s righteousness apart from their deeds to obey the law. The divine response to sin, and the demands from Deity placed on the living regarding sin are determined in part by the character and substance of sin as well as by the content and sovereign will of GOD. Good deeds and acceptable works have always been required from all who live, however, the meaning and value of works by the living are now given a new significance. In the same way the divinity of Jesus Christ is not complete without authority, glory, grace, and majesty, correctly acknowledged, the deeds and works of men required by the law must be joined to attitudes and conduct that make visible the character, principles, and spirit within the fullness of divinity. Thus, the continued existence of created beings and living creatures is acceptable and “justified” as an aspect of the existence of GOD, and in accordance with their makeup and content as vessels of divinity. One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears), posted the following:
Can anyone please explain to me what Romans 3:28 is saying in simple terms?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. (Ephesians 2: 8-18, King James Version, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Thoughts On The Commandments (06/27/2017); On Law and Sin (06/07/2017); Reconciliation Provided By Christ (05/30/2017); Salvation By Faith Alone? (01/19/2017); Called, Justified, and Glorified? (01/08/2017); More On Divine Justification (02/08/2016); Justified Through Christ?(08/26/2015)
“Anonymous”, here are some points you may find helpful for a complete and correct Christian understanding of Romans 3: 28, King James Version (KJV): 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
(1.) Where “faith” is acknowledged as a divine substance from the fullness and makeup of GOD, faith is made up only of faith, and is inseparable from the other aspects of spirit content such as holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Faith may be imparted to created beings and living creatures as breath, life essence, spirit, and word.
(2.) “The deeds of the law” are often taken simply to mean “obedience”. However, through Jesus Christ we also should grasp a broader reading that is not to be overlooked. Within the Scriptures, the word “law” means the things spoken by GOD to Moses and those who entered into covenant in ancient times (we say, the Ten Commandments); the full range of demands made by the covenant (e.g., decisions and judgments, feasts, ordinances, statutes); and the ceremonies, practices, and standards to be used by priests and Levites within the Tabernacle/Temple.
(3.) The law from GOD among men served as an essence or shadow of the active presence. Thus, the appearance of GOD in the person of Jesus Christ was required to provide fullness and substance to the otherwise unseen aspects of the law. Included are balance, godliness, grace, impartiality, love, peace through resolution of disputes, reconciliation, and righteousness.
(4.) Christ is now appearing as our High Priest in heaven who makes atonement for us in fulfillment of the eternal law. This is spoken to in the Scriptures in Exodus 28: 38, KJV: 38 And it shall be upon Aaron’s forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD. Also, Leviticus 5: 15, KJV: 15 If a soul commit a trespass, and sin through ignorance, in the holy things of the LORD; then he shall bring for his trespass unto the LORD a ram without blemish out of the flocks, with thy estimation by shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering.
There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) Gentiles were also part of the covenant with Moses, yet, the covenant became a wall of separation between Jews and Gentiles. Through Christ as both Priest and sacrifice, the requirements for salvation are shown to be spirit content from GOD that includes responding to divine law as well as operating with sacred knowledge, eternal purpose, and deposits of sovereign will. Obedience alone does not now justify and make mankind acceptable to divinity.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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