Blog

Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. . . And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise.¹

The promise came through Abraham.² The law came through Moses.³ The law was given for the people’s protection and guidance until Jesus is revealed. The first Covenant had strict regulations for worship and an earthly place of holiness. There were sections separated by curtains, delineating the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place; and only the high priest goes once a year to offer sacrifices for himself and for the sins of the people.⁴

Interestingly, while Jesus was nailed to the cross and surrendered his breath, the curtain was torn from top to bottom; three times it was mentioned through the different Gospel authors⁵ (The repetition is relevant for to the Jews it meant importance). This incident confirmed the ushering-in of a New Covenant—salvation by grace through faith. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not of your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.⁶ Thus, Jesus declared, “It is finished.”⁷ He had fulfilled his mission on earth.

The magnanimity of God’s plan was revealed at the instance of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. There was a lopsided exchange that occurred for our sake—all our sins for his righteousness. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.⁸ The Father knew that only through the sacrifice of his Son would the righteous requirement of the Law be fulfilled. Is it any wonder that at the time of his death, at midday there was total darkness? The holy God, the Father of lights⁹ turned away from his Son.¹⁰

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.¹¹ For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.¹² Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.¹³ This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.¹⁴

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.¹⁵