We are told in Romans, Galatians, Colossians, and elsewhere by Paul that the Law was nailed to the Cross along with its legal claims against us. We cannot possibly do any work that would merit our redemption or put us right with Christ Jesus. He is the Lamb of God, made to be sin who knew no sin. He buried death and sin on the Cross. How can Paul tell us that works yield nothing but boasting and that works should come as evidence of a lively faith but not as the mode in which we are saved and still live in a works-oriented mentality? Paul tells us we are “credited” with righteousness. How can we be credited with righteousness through the vehicle of faith and expect that our own works can save us? What works can be pleasing to God to reverse the formula he has made and put us back on the Law-based merit system? If a person has strong faith, good works and sanctification spring forth. But those works and that good behavior does not save. If it did, then there would be no need for the Cross. So why are we so focused on our own goodness, our own works, our own brownie points, when we should constantly be doing good works in reaction to our justification, not to try and earn it? We are trying to put ourselves on a par with the work Jesus did. It’s not doable.
