The Living Dead
That I may be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of
the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness
which is of God by faith. Philippians 3:8, 9.
The righteousness which is of the law, that is, men's own righteousness, is
on the principle of doing something in order to live. The mere statement of
the case is sufficient to show its impossibility; for life must necessarily
precede action. A dead body does not do something in order that it may live,
but it must be given life in order that it may do something. Peter did not
tell the dead Dorcas to do some more charitable work, to sew some more
garments, in order that she might live, but in the name of Jesus he restored
her to life, in order that she might pursue her good works. The man that
doeth those things shall live in them, but he must first live before he can
do them. Therefore the righteousness which is of the law is but an empty
dream. Christ gives life, even the eternal and righteous life of God, which
works righteousness in the soul that it has quickened. "In Him we live,
and move, and have our being."
We can not reach out
our hand without finding him. Christ is in [near] the heart even of wicked
men, waiting for them to recognize the fact that already exists, and will in
all their ways acknowledge Him. Then He will dwell in their hearts "by
faith." He will then direct them in all their ways. In nothing is the
love of Christ more fully shown than in His dwelling with sinful men, and
enduring all their hatefulness, in order that by His patience He may win
them from their evil ways.
Waggoner on Romans, pgs. 164-166 |
