Galatians 3 - I need Jesus

Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. (Galatians 3:21)

Paul was trying hard to persuade the Jews that only faith in Christ Jesus saves; the Law cannot bring us salvation. If it can, Christ would have died for nothing.

Actually, the Law can give life too.... if we can keep to every little thing that the Law says to do.

If we can totally keep the Law, yes, we would be perfect. We could enter into life (Matthew 19:17).

What is the Law in today's context for us non-Jews?

It could be a set of good principles that we live by, or a way of life that is good, or a list of things that we aim to do that are good. In other words, we try to use our own methods to do good, and be good. We do our way to being good.

But being the wretched man that I am, more than once, I know that I have failed terribly. By myself, I cannot do good. In fact, many times, I shun from doing good.

For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. (Romans 7:18-19)

Why can't I do good? Because the only source of goodness is God. Only God is good (Matthew 19:17).

I cannot find life if I try to get a tutor (which is, the Law (Galatians 3:24), or a set of good principles we aim to live by, or simply our good conscience). What they can do is simply keep me safe (Gal 3:23).... until Christ Himself comes into my life.

If I am trying to find life, I need to go to Life Himself.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. (John 14:6)

So, right now, in my weakness, having failed umpteen times from trying to do good or be good, there is only one thing that I am hanging on tightly to, one hymn that keeps singing in my ears.

I need Jesus....
I need Jesus...

I need Jesus everyday...

Need Him in the sunshine hour..

Need Him when the storm clouds lower..

Everyday, along my way,

Yes, I need Jesus...

Only Jesus can save me in my wretchness. Only He can bring me up from the depths of the pit to the highlands, where I can lift my head high. Not because of any good that I may have done, but because His blood washes away my guilt and so I can stand blameless and hold my head high.

And even so,

I stand

trembling

in awe of Jesus

and the cross on which He hangs.

...Thank you, Lord Jesus, for saving me.