The Daily Word of Righteousness

Romans 8:3,4

For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Romans 8:3,4)

The Law of Moses was "weak through the flesh." This means it looked to the flesh to satisfy the Law's requirements. The flesh cannot do this because sin dwells in the flesh.

There is nothing at all wrong with the Law of Moses. The Law is holy, righteous, and good. But our flesh is an enemy of the righteous behavior commanded by the Law.

God sent Christ in the likeness of sinful flesh. Yet there was no sin dwelling in His flesh.

Christ, because of His sinless nature, was able to keep perfectly every point of the Law. Thus He was the spotless Lamb who was able to make a perfect atonement for sin. No accuser could witness against Him. Christ showed that the Law of Moses was a good law, a righteous law, and that the righteous individual who was not bound by sin could observe every statute and ordinance.

Christ mastered the Law! Christ mastered sin! He came forth victorious from the struggle with Satan. A Man has kept the Law of Moses!

Now what? Now Christ can ascribe His righteousness to any individual of His choice. God has accepted the principle of transferred righteousness. It's a good thing He has because we would be in bad shape if He hadn't!

Righteousness is by the Law of Moses. Christ gives us His righteousness, the righteousness of the One who kept the Law of Moses.

But there is a proviso here and I fear it is not always emphasized in our day. It is that we do not walk in the appetites of our sinful flesh but in the Spirit of God.

Now here is a thing. The righteous requirements of the Law of Moses are fulfilled in us as we do not follow our sinful flesh but through the Spirit obey the commandments given through Christ and His Apostles.

What if we do not make the effort to pray, read the Scriptures, gather with fervent disciples, serve, give, and do the other things mentioned in the Epistles?

The answer is, the righteous requirements of the Law of Moses are not fulfilled in us. We are under condemnation.

"But I have taken the four steps of salvation." They are not enough. There is a fifth step: walk in the Spirit of God for the rest of your days on the earth.

"But I have made a decision for Christ." Cool. What does that mean?

Are you saying you have decided to believe Jesus is the Son of God? The demons know this better than you.

Are you saying you have decided to believe Jesus is Lord of all? Don't you think the demons know this? The demons have trouble saying this and meaning it. When you say Jesus is Lord, then act like He is Lord of your life. You are His slave. Humble yourself before the Lord of Glory! There is saving merit in truly confessing Jesus as your Lord.

Are you saying you have decided to believe Jesus was raised from the dead? I imagine the demons understand this very well.

Do you mean you have come to the conclusion you cannot save yourself and must be washed in His blood to have your sins forgiven? If you really lay hold on this concept there is saving power. But you must do more than have your head sprinkled with water so you can join a church.

What do you mean you have made a "decision for Christ?" This expression has little to do with the Christian salvation unless you mean by this you have decided to follow Jesus. Do you want life through His name? Then start serving Him with a whole heart.

I know it's hard to find a good church. So many are preaching lawless grace, the rapture, and Jesus did it all. But there are faithful pastors out there who are flowing with the Spirit of God. Pray and God will help you find a church that is preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom. When you find one, move to the neighborhood if you have to but get with saints who are going on with the Lord.

The day of the "lone ranger" is over.

All this is part of the resolution of Paul's conflict between his mind and his flesh.