TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

Moses described righteousness through the law, saying, “The person who obeys these commands will live by them.” Paul, however, speaks of a righteousness based on faith. This doesn’t require impossible tasks like ascending to heaven or descending to the depths. Instead, it declares, “The message is near you, in your mouth and in your heart.” This is the message of faith we preach.

Paul wasn’t contrasting Moses’ covenant with Christ’s. Even in Deuteronomy, Moses pointed to the covenant of grace—a promise that has existed throughout all time. This covenant opposes the one given to Adam, which demanded perfect obedience. Paul lamented that his fellow Israelites, despite their zeal for God, misunderstood this. They tried to establish righteousness through their own efforts rather than accepting God’s gift of grace through faith in Christ.

The righteousness of the law demanded perfect, uninterrupted obedience—every action, thought, and desire aligned with God’s will. Falling short, even slightly, meant failure. In contrast, the righteousness of faith doesn’t demand perfection. It doesn’t ask us to earn God’s favor but instead calls us to trust in Jesus, who justifies the ungodly and imputes righteousness through faith. As Scripture says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.”

This new covenant doesn’t require payment for sins because Christ has already paid the price. It offers forgiveness and salvation freely through faith. Unlike the unattainable demands of the law, this covenant is near and accessible. It invites us to bring our sins to God, who forgives them completely. We are justified not because we are righteous, but because God justifies those who believe in Him. So, believe in Jesus, and you will be saved.