Romans 4:13-15 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law… Tell me, then, ye who desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? Does it say anything to you but "Do this and thou shalt live"? Does it set before you any alternative but "Cursed is he that continueth not in all things which are written in the Book of the law to do them"? Has it any other terms but these? "Do this," the wrath-working law proclaims; "Do it all from first to last and thou shalt live; but an everlasting curse awaits you if you offend in any one particular." Plead what yon will, these denunciations are irreversible. You may say, "I wish to obey"; and it answers you, "Tell me not of your wishes, but do it." "I have endeavoured to obey." "Tell me not of your endeavours, but do it." "I have done it in almost every particular." "Tell me not what you have done almost; have you obeyed it altogether, and in all things?" "I have for many years obeyed it, and once only have I transgressed." "Then you are cursed; if you have offended in one point you are guilty of all. But I am sorry, I cannot regard your sorrow." "But I will reform, and never transgress again." "I care nothing for your reformation." "But I will obey perfectly in future, if I can find mercy for the past." "I can have no concern with your determinations for the future; I know no such word as mercy; my terms cannot be altered for anyone. If you rise to these terms, you will have a right to life, and need no mercy. If you fall short in any one particular, nothing remains but condemnation." (C. Simeon, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. |
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