Romans 3:2828 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.

Galatians 2:1616 knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.

A Significant First Century Contrast

• An ongoing struggle between Jew and Gentile existed– cf. Eph. 2:11-18

• An incredible change in tradition, practice and understanding was taking place – cf. Acts 11:1-18

• Realizing the full ramifications and applications of these changes was a continued issue – cf. Acts 15:1-2

The Real Contrast

“Law of Moses”

• Shadow of good things to come – cf. Heb. 8:3-6; 10:1

• Animal sacrifices – Heb. 10:4

• Fleshly Ordinances – cf. Heb. 9:1-10

• Brings death – 2 Cor. 3:7; Rom. 7:10; Rom. 10:1-21

“Faith in Christ”

• The very image of the things – Heb. 9:11-15; Col. 2:16-17

• Sacrifice of Christ – John 1:29; Isa. 53:7-8; 1 Pet. 1:19

• Spiritual Sacrifices – cf. Rom. 6:1-6; 1 John 1:8-2:2

• Gives life – 2 Cor. 3:6; Rom. 8:1-2; John 5:21; 10:10-11, 27-28; 6:63-64

The Real Contrast

“Law of Moses”

• Continual reminder of sin – Heb. 10:3

• Annual sacrifice – Heb. 10:1-3

• No pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices – Heb. 10:6, 8 (Mal. 1:6-14; 1 Chron. 29:16-20)

“Faith in Christ”

• No more consciousness of sins – Heb. 8:12; 10:15-18 (Jer. 31:31-34); Acts 2:38

• Once and for all – Heb. 9:27-28; 10:11-14

• Beloved Son - well pleased – Heb. 10:7, 10; Matt. 3:17; 12:14-21; Isa. 53:10-11

Romans 1:16-1716 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”