The Inability of the Law to Sanctify
This only I want to learn from
you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of
faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you
now being made perfect by the flesh? (Galatians 3:2-3)
The first question here in Galatians 3 again brings to mind issues of justification.
"Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing
of faith?" We received the Holy Spirit of God to dwell in our lives
when we were born again, when we became children of God. This is also when the
Lord declared us justified, righteous in His sight.
How did the Spirit come to indwell us? Was it by
our performance, attempting to live up to the law of God? No, it was "by
the hearing of faith." We heard the good news that Christ died for
our sins. We heard the truth that Jesus could forgive us of our
unrighteousness.
Faith was stirred in our hearts as we considered
that grand message. In simple, humble faith, we asked the Lord Jesus to come
into our lives, to be our personal Savior. "But as many as received
Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who
believe in His name" (John 1:12).
The next two questions apply this same biblical
reasoning to sanctification. "Are you so foolish? Having begun in the
Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?"
To think that we can advance the process of sanctification (that is,
progressive transformation unto Christ likeness) by our own human resources
(that is, by the flesh) is spiritual foolishness.
What a staggering thought! Just as we could never
secure justification by our own best efforts, so it is true that we can never
increase personal sanctification by our own best efforts. Yes, "The
just shall live by faith," initially and
continually!
Dear
Lord, I praise Your holy name for justifying me by faith in Your Son, the Lord
Jesus Christ. I am so grateful that such a blessing did not depend upon my
personal ability or merit. My heart is both convicted and encouraged that
sanctification is by faith as well. I am convicted, because I have often
thought and acted as though I could affect more practical righteousness by my
own resources. I am encouraged that there is a way that actually works, and it
depends upon trusting in You. O Lord, please remind me of this glorious,
gracious provision day by day, in Jesus' name, Amen.
- Day By Day By Grace
Bob Hoekstra
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Rev. Telema W. Okobi