The Lord so greatly desires to bless people that "the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him." (2 Chronicles 16:9, NKJV) But if that really is true, why aren't more people living abundant and prosperous lives? The problem lies in the curse of the law.



In Deuteronomy (28:15-68), just after the long list of blessings offered to all who can possibly receive them (Deuteronomy 28:1-14), is a long list of curses for those whose lives do not measure up to the requirements of the Law of the Lord. In fact, the list of curses is over three times as long as the list of blessings.

Why would a God who claims to want to bless everyone who genuinely desires to be blessed, create a list of curses over three times as long as the list of blessings? The answer is very simple, "by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified." (Galatians 2:16, NKJV)

But why can't I just be good enough to inherit eternal life? How good would I need to be? James, the half-brother of Jesus, said, "whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumbles in one point, he is guilty of all," (James 2:10, NKJV) and Jesus said, "assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot (cross of a "t") or one tittle (dot of an "i") will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled." (Matthew 5:18, NKJV) In other words, you would need to be absolutely perfect in your observance of the law to obtain a reward through the law. Jesus even expanded the degree of observance needed:

"You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.' But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire. (Matthew 5:21,22, NKJV)

"You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. (Matthew 5:27-30, NKJV)

I don't know about you, but I find it absolutely impossible to obey to the point that every thought I have ever had in my entire life is completely perfect toward both God and man. I know there have been times when I have been needlessly angry toward another person, and I am sure that is probably true of you also. In fact, the Lord has concluded that:

"There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God."...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 3:10,20, NKJV)

The good news is that the Lord has made a way for us to be declared righteous, apart from the law, and it is fully available to all who desire it:

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9, NKJV)

Not only is salvation free, so is the faith to receive it! Praise the Lord!

Copyright (c) 2007 Jon Straumfjord