You receive a passing grade when you fail the test. What school, you probably are asking, has that kind of rule? Sign me up!

Absurd as this "test rule" may sound, it's God's rule. The "test" is the Law, and failing it places us right where He wants us to be.

"For if a law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law. But the Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe ... Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith." (Galatians 3:21-22,24)

It's only in failing the test of the Law that we are in a position to "pass" through faith. Sadly, there have been - and are today - many who try with all their might to keep God's Law, not realizing that its ultimate purpose is to be our "tutor" and lead us to faith in Christ. As such, the Law has value, and should not be neglected. But, trying to keep it is a recipe for frustration and futility.

With renewed appreciation for faith, and hope through promise, we are reminded: "For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's descendants, heirs according to promise." (Galatians 3:26-29)

Savor the promise, hope, and the reality we enjoy through faith.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012