The Deeds Of The Law

Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 

Romans 3:20 

Humanity loves to have something to do to work off guilt. This is the reason performance-based religions are so popular. The longer and more explicit the list the more popular the religion. Our text lies at a major transition point in the book of Romans. Paul has been leveling the ground and laying the foundation for his presentation of Christ, most specifically with respect to justification by faith. He has thoroughly explained the condemnation under which all of us abide, regardless of how our depravity expresses itself. He has concluded all under sin, thus accurately reflecting what God has said for generations. To those who imagine that legal obedience will gain them acceptance with God, he says, ‘by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight.’ This is the final nail in the coffin lid of works-based religion. Once he has buried it, he is free to proceed with the gospel of free grace. This makes this text critically important. Often people will say, ‘There are so many religions, how can we know which one is right?’ In actual fact there are only two religion types. There are the religions of works-righteousness and the gospel of free grace. Every religion in the world falls into one of these two categories. Paul will go on to prove this in succeeding chapters as he presents justification by faith in Christ in contrast to the deeds of the law.   

Our Gracious God and our Savior, 
we rejoice at how You have crafted Your great salvation. 
We praise You that it accomplishes for us, and in us, 
what we could never do. 

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning