What God Accomplished By Sending His Own Son In The Likeness of Sinful Flesh
For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.Romans 8:3-4
Jesus gave himself as a sacrifice ("sin offering") for our sins. In Old Testament times, animal sacrifices were continually offered at the temple. The sacrifices showed the Israelites the seriousness of sin: blood had to be shed before sins could be pardoned (see Leviticus 17:11). But animal blood could not really remove sins (Hebrews 10:4). The sacrifices could only point to Jesus's sacrifice, which paid the penalty for all sins
How wonderful it is to be "justified freely by His grace" (Romans 3:24). Yet, what disappointment and discouragement awaits us, if we do not learn that God desires to sanctify us freely by His grace as well. This plan of God, as we should expect, hinges upon the work of Jesus Christ. In matters of justification, as well as sanctification, the law has by God's design a weakness. This weakness is so natural human resources, the flesh of man, cannot live up to the standards of God. Thus, to accomplish what the law could never accomplish the Father sent his Son. "For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son."
Jesus came as a man and died on the cross to eradicate the consequences of sin. This death of Christ certainly provided justification for all who would believe in the Lord Jesus. Yet, the next verse reveals that through His sacrificial death on the cross progressive, practical sanctification is available day by day through faith in the Lord. "That the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit." The word "walk" makes Romans 8:4 a verse on sanctification, not justification. Justification takes place with the first moment of faith in Christ. Sanctification continues step-by-step, day-by-day, throughout the life of a believer.
Contemplate this profound truth. God's grace provides a way "that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us." Remember, that heavenly demand is "be holy," be like Christ. This transformation of life takes place daily in the life of any believer who does "not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit." If we renounce the natural resources of man and trust in the Lord Jesus step by step through life, His Holy Spirit accomplishes His sanctifying work in us by the grace of God.
Our Lord God, what abundant grace You offer to all in Christ, grace that justifies and sanctifies. How foolish and unnecessary have been my futile efforts to fulfill the requirements of Your Law on my own! I am thrilled and encouraged to know that You have provided a gracious and effective path for me to grow in righteousness. Today and for evermore, I place my hope for godliness in Thy righteousness, which is by faith in Jesus Christ. Amen.
