Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law, for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Galatians 2:16
What was life like for the religious Israelite in the time of Moses? First of all, there were many ceremonies and ordinances that he must follow, including offerings and sacrifices. There was the Sabbath to observe, and the many other duties related to worship and obedience to the law’s requirements for himself and his family. All this meant a significant commitment in terms of time and money. In addition, the law spelled out many things regarding moral behaviour for a devout Israelite. There were many things he must do and many things he could not do, and all of these things must be observed strictly to maintain a good conscience. With all of these things wrapped up in the expression ‘works of the law’, the Israelite must know that these works could not justify. Keeping the only God-given religion on earth was not enough to justify a man before God. Nor are we justified today by the works of Judaism or any other religion.
When God looks down upon the Christian today, He sees us justified. He is satisfied with our standing before Him, perfectly satisfied. But it is not our works that satisfy Him, it is the work of His Son on the cross. Note that Paul tells us that by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. That’s because we would attempt to perform those works of the law in the flesh. And it is the flesh that is sinful. The flesh is weak and unable to satisfy the requirements of the law. Therefore, no justification is possible through our attempts to perform those works. We need access to the works of One Who was able to satisfy the law’s requirements. That access is faith.
Why was the Lord Jesus able to satisfy the law’s requirements and to obtain justification? Because His flesh was not disqualified by sin. Just as a sacrifice that was acceptable to God in the Old Testament must be flawless and perfect, so was the Lord Jesus flawless and perfect before God and before men. His hands had done no violence, His feet had not walked in the council of the ungodly nor stood in the way of sinners, His tongue had never spoken a false word, His heart had never lusted after the pleasures of the world, His mind had never deviated from devotion to His God and Father. Therefore, the works of His flesh forever satisfy God’s requirements for justification.
By faith, we trust the great sacrifice made for us on Calvary. We are justified because God is satisfied. -Jim MacIntosh