InstaStudy

The Path to Life: From Law to the Crucified One

This study explores the foundational truth that true righteousness and the promise of resurrected life are not found in adherence to the law, but exclusively through the redemptive work of the crucified and resurrected Lord. We will examine how the law reveals our need for a Savior and how faith in the one God, Jesus Christ, is the sole means of salvation and eternal life, as highlighted in Galatians 3:11.

1. The Insufficiency of the Law

1.1 The Law's Purpose: To Reveal Sin

Verses: Romans 3:20; Romans 7:7; Galatians 3:24
  • The law serves as a mirror, showing humanity's inability to meet God's perfect standard.
  • It was a tutor, leading us to recognize our need for a Savior.
  • It defines sin, making transgressions evident.

1.2 The Law's Demand: Perfect Obedience

Verses: James 2:10; Galatians 3:10; Romans 3:23
  • Breaking even one part of the law makes one guilty of all.
  • No human being, apart from the Lord, has ever perfectly kept the law.
  • Humanity's fallen nature makes perfect obedience impossible.

1.3 Justification by Faith, Not by Law

Verses: Galatians 3:11; Romans 3:28; Ephesians 2:8-9
  • Righteousness before God is a gift received through faith, not earned through works of the law.
  • The law cannot impart life or make one righteous in God's sight.
  • Our standing with God is based on His grace and our belief in Him.

2. The Identity of the Crucified One

2.1 Jesus: The Manifestation of the One God

Verses: Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:16; Colossians 2:9
  • Jesus is the visible manifestation of the invisible God, the Father.
  • In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
  • He is the 'Mighty God' and 'Everlasting Father' revealed in human flesh.

2.2 The Incarnation: God Taking on Flesh

Verses: John 1:14; Philippians 2:7-8; Hebrews 2:14
  • The one God condescended to take on human form to redeem humanity.
  • He emptied Himself, not of deity, but of the prerogatives of deity, to become a servant.
  • He experienced human life, temptation, and suffering, yet without sin.

2.3 The Sinless Sacrifice: The Perfect Lamb of God

Verses: 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 1:18-19
  • Only a sinless sacrifice could atone for the sins of humanity.
  • He was without blemish or spot, making His offering perfect.
  • His purity qualified Him to be the ultimate sacrifice for all.

3. The Power of the Crucifixion

3.1 Atonement for Sin: Reconciliation Through His Blood

Verses: Romans 5:8-9; Colossians 1:20; Hebrews 9:22
  • Through His death, the Lord made propitiation for our sins, satisfying divine justice.
  • His blood cleanses us from all unrighteousness, making reconciliation possible.
  • We are brought near to God by the blood of the Lord.

3.2 Victory Over Death: The Grave Could Not Hold Him

Verses: Acts 2:24; Romans 6:9; 1 Corinthians 15:54-57
  • His resurrection demonstrates His complete triumph over sin and death.
  • Death's power was broken, offering hope of eternal life to believers.
  • He holds the keys of death and Hades.

3.3 New Covenant: A Better Promise Through His Sacrifice

Verses: Hebrews 8:6; Hebrews 9:15; Jeremiah 31:31-34
  • The old covenant, based on law, was replaced by a new covenant based on grace and faith.
  • His sacrifice inaugurated a covenant of better promises, written on our hearts.
  • Through Him, we have access to God and forgiveness of sins.

4. The Promise of Resurrected Life

4.1 Spiritual Resurrection: New Life in Christ Now

Verses: Romans 6:4; Ephesians 2:5-6; Colossians 3:1
  • Through identification with His death and resurrection, believers experience a spiritual rebirth.
  • We are raised to walk in newness of life, freed from the dominion of sin.
  • Our old self is crucified with Him, and we live a new life in Him.

4.2 Future Bodily Resurrection: The Hope of Eternal Life

Verses: John 5:28-29; 1 Corinthians 15:20-22; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
  • Believers have the promise of a future bodily resurrection, patterned after His glorious resurrection.
  • He is the firstfruits of those who sleep, guaranteeing our own resurrection.
  • We will receive glorified bodies, fit for eternity with Him.

4.3 Life by Faith: Walking in the Spirit, Not by the Law

Verses: Galatians 5:16; Romans 8:1-2; Galatians 2:20
  • Our new life is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved us and gave Himself for us.
  • We are led by the Spirit, not by the dictates of the law, which cannot give life.
  • The power of the resurrected Lord enables us to live a life pleasing to God.