AM Scripture Reading: Galatians 2.16-21

This Morning’s Speaker: Brent T. Willey

DID JESUS DIE IN VAIN?

Introduction:

1. “I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness came through the law, then Christ died in vain” (Gal. 2.21).

   1. Are we under “law” of any kind? (James 1.21-25)

   2. The context of the “law” in passages like Gal. 2.21… (E.g., Rom. 3.27-28; Gal. 3.10-12; 5.1-4; Phil. 3.8-9).

2. Since Jesus “tasted death” for everyone – both Jew & Gentile (cf., Heb. 2.9), if either the Old Law or mere morality can save an individual; then Jesus died in vain! He did…

I. IF THE OLD LAW IS SUFFICIENT TO SAVE!

1. If anybody insists that they are obligated to the “Old Law” or the “Ten Commandment Law” as their authority, then several passages need to be rectified. (E.g., Jer. 31.31-34; cf., Matt. 26.28; Heb. 10.9-10; Rom. 7.4-7; 2 Cor. 3.6)

2. Jesus died to take away the first covenant and establish the second. His blood ushered in the New Covenant, so Paul concluded, “if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain” (Gal. 2.21).

II. IF WE CAN SAVE OURSELVES FROM SIN!

1. Jesus died in vain if we are capable of “earning” salvation by our own “good works.”
   1. His extreme sacrifice! (Gal. 1.3-4; 1 Pet. 2.25)
   2. Humanity is helpless without God’s love! (1 John 4.10)
2. In appreciation of God’s grace, true Christians strive to do their best in maintaining “good works” (Titus 3.3-8; cf., John 15.13-14; 1 John 2.4; 5.3; Heb. 5.8-9; Rev. 22.14)
3. The “gospel”  has been given because nobody (Jew or Gentile) can save himself! (Rom. 1.16-17; Acts 2.36-41)

Conclusion: Christ’s death is either meaningful to you, or His death has become an unfortunate, vain reality! Which is it?