“Christ Is The End Of The Law!”

“Christ Is The End Of The Law!”(Rom.9:30-10:4).
Habakkuk was a contemporary of Jeremiah, but not much is said of him. His prophecies are just three chapters, but his prophecy has contributed to the shaping of our Christian faith. His words that, “…but the righteous will live by his faith.”(Hab.2:4); together with “Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness”(Gen.15:6) became the rallying cry of the 16th century Protestant Reformation.
This was so much so because Paul built his theology on it: “Salvation by faith, not works,” in contrast to James who says faith without works is dead.
Salvation by faith does not necessarily eliminate works. We are saved because we believe; we then do the works of righteousness as obedience to the one who has saved us. We are not saved because we have done the works, such as obeying and doing the law.
Faith is our response to God’s mercy, because without mercy none of us may be saved. With new insight I see the story of the two brothers as an example of salvation by faith alone(Lk.15:11-32).
When the brother who took his share of wealth, went and squardered in loose living came back to his father, the father embraced him with arms of love. He adorned his son in royal garb, killed the fatted calf and called for a feast. This is grace appreciating faith. The boy knew that his actions did not merit his father’s approval, but he believed that his father will take him as he was.
Meanwhile the elder brother who remained at home represents salvation by works. Though he slaved so much with his father he had not be given even a goat to share with his friends.
Paul says when we do not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish our own, we wouldn’t submit to God’s righteousness. “Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.”
This is not a license to violate the law. Rather Christ is Grace that overwhelms us such that God’s righteousness becomes us.
God’s righteousness becomes us, when God puts his law in our minds, and writes them in our hearts. “No longer will a man teach his neighbour, or a man his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know me…”(Jer.31:33-34).
May we strive each day to grow in the Christ in us who is the end of the law as we outgrow our misconception of the true path of salvation.
Weekend prayer: LORD, I believe that Christ is the end of the law; help me to submit to the righteousness which comes from you. Amen!
Have a blessed weekend! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.