Romans 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yes, we establish the law. God's dispensations cannot possibly disagree; they may not have the same immediate purport, but they must harmonize. This verse is a triumphant challenge at the close of a conclusive argument. The harmony of Law and faith. I. LAW. The great aim of the dispensation of Law was to teach man his sin and helplessness. 1. "Through the Law cometh the knowledge, of sin" (ver. 20). The Law within man fades in proportion as his disregard of it increases, and only by an objective Law can he then be taught his guilt. So did God, by a presentation of righteousness in the demands of the Law, bring home to man's conscience his condemnation. 2. This objective holiness, by its claims upon man's endeavours, not merely wrought condemnation in the conscience, but was designed to produce an intensest consciousness of incapacity. This not so directly intended by the apostle's words now, but falls legitimately within their scope. We see, we desire; we cannot attain. II. FAITH. When the dispensation of Law has done its disciplinary work, the dispensation of faith shall take its place. 1. A universal condemnation prepares for the reception of the gift of grace. The world is brought to its knees before God, stricken with guilt; and now he may speak words of pardon, to be received by faith. God the Giver, man the recipient at his hands; this the relation now. Faith annulling the Law? Nay, supplementing it, and justifying its work. 2. And so the new life of faith - faith in the forgiving love of God, a faith which brings hope and inspiration - does but supplement, in no wise contradicts, the state of helplessness realized through the Law. We are at one with God; the chasm is bridged; and by his own loving help we can do his will. To us Christians? Christ's perfect life serves for Law. How great our guilt! how utter our impotence! But he stoops to die for us, and we receive forgiveness by faith; and, being in trustful and loving fellowship with him, we now can live by him. The "Law" of his life is established, not annulled, by faith. - T.F.L. Parallel Verses KJV: Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.WEB: Do we then nullify the law through faith? May it never be! No, we establish the law. |
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