In this passage, Paul refers to a place in Deuteronomy where God tells Israel that the Law is not impossible to keep and that He would help those with the right attitude to do so by faith. While not promising a sin-free experience, God provided the sacrificial system so they could express their faith in Him and thus experience redemption. So often we focus on the legalistic nature of the Law and miss the role of faith. The Minor Prophets are clear about this. Israel practiced the Law without genuine faith but God preferred that they had the faith, rather than expressing it by keeping the Law. Paul makes the link between faith and redemption a key theme in Romans. The common thread throughout the Dispensations is salvation by grace through faith. In Moses’ day it was expressed through the keeping of the Law; today through accepting the finished work of Christ at Calvary.
As we look at redemption in the Old Testament, how do we view the Law of Moses? Is it a difficult and burdensome way to live, one that cannot be kept and serves as a burden? Or is the Law from God, given to a called-out nation who were supposed to be priests that pointed other nations to Him? The Gospels show us a Law-driven Israelite culture that is the product of the Old Testament story where action became prominent and faith secondary. While the New Testament Israelites no longer struggled with idolatry, the Law itself became a sort of idol where the activity of life came before a heart faith. Thus, Jesus’ encounters with the Pharisees and scribes show a hard and closed heart to the message He brought them.
Can we become so focused on outward activity in our worship and study, that faith comes second to knowledge and practice? True piety and godliness is correct knowledge and correct practice that comes from a heart with faith in God and His Word, humbly acknowledging His dominion over all aspects of our lives.
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