Monday - Deuteronomy 26 - The Epitome of the Purpose of the Law

No stranger commandment can you find than the commandment in this chapter for people to declare their obedience before the Lord (Deuteronomy 26:13 and 14).  Why would God ask His people to do this thing? Of the many passages in the OT, surely this one is the clearest in its congruence with and preparation for Galatians 3:24-26. The law was never intended to be a means or mode of salvation. It was meant to function as a magnifying glass to reveal to all of us our sinfulness. Can you imagine how many honestly pious Jews had to stop in mid-sentence while quoting from Deuteronomy 26:13 & 14 and cry out, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner!" Surely, over and over again, there were true saints who were made so by God's grace as they were regenerated by God through the humble repentance and faith that an attempted confession like that one would supernaturally generate. It has been said that it is easier to get a man saved than it is to get him lost. Well, certainly it does sometimes seem like God has to use some rather extreme measures to convince many of His creatures that we are worthy of death and hell, so He can save us (Matthew 9:13 & Mark 2:17).

Hence, enters the scene valiantly: justification (Romans 3:24, 25, 26; 5:1 & following). Only by God's saving grace and imputed righteousness can we come so boldly before the throne of God with confidence (Hebrews 4:16, I Timothy 6:12-14 & Jude 1:24 & 25). Hallelujah! He has done for us what we could never have done for ourselves. And, though it cost Him greatly... for us it is free!!!