Man through works tries to please God. It has been our failing throughout time. All religions outside of true Christianity are based upon works. Even Christians at times fall into the trap of thinking works will earn a way to heaven or somehow make us more pleasing to God. We must fight against the bondage of that trap and break free into the glorious light of Christ.

We could not work hard enough, pray long enough, or help others enough to gain favor with God and have eternal life. Only one thing can bring us into the Presence of the Living God and that is Jesus himself. With faith in Him we walk boldly into the Holy of Holies with assurance that we are welcome there with the Father. Those who try another way labor their entire life trying to gain favor with God when favor has already been gained by God’s own Son.

Jesus did what the law could never do. Jesus brought the true change that is needed in the world and what a change it is. We are transformed from dead works to faith in the Livng God. We are raised from the valley of darkness to become a city set on a hill. The change is newness of life so fresh and joyful that it is as if we are already raised from the dead.

Man is justified by faith instead of the deeds of the law. What a change that simple statement makes. The man who is in Christ has become a new creation. He is changed and transformed and the old man is gone. What a conclusion to come to.