Is Righteousness Through Law or Faith?
In this article, you will learn how Deuteronomy 6:25 contradicts Romans 3:20, Galatians 2:16, Hebrews 7:19, Ezekiel 18:21, Philippians 3:9, Titus 3:5 and Romans 10:4. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
Exploring biblical teachings reveals apparent contradictions about how one achieves righteousness. In Deuteronomy 6:25, Moses emphasizes that adhering to God’s commandments is crucial for being seen as good and right in God’s eyes. This perspective suggests that righteousness is achieved through obedience to the law, highlighting the importance of following the set rules to attain moral standing before God.
However, various New Testament verses present a contrasting view. Romans 3:20 challenges the notion set forth in Deuteronomy by stating that no one will be justified by the deeds of the law. This implies that righteousness cannot be attained through mere obedience to the law. Similarly, Galatians 2:16 reinforces this by asserting that justification comes through faith in Jesus Christ and not through law-based works.
Further, Hebrews 7:19 notes that the law made nothing perfect, suggesting that legal adherence is insufficient for achieving true righteousness. Ezekiel 18:21, while linking lawful actions to living, places more emphasis on turning from sin rather than strict obedience to the law itself, subtly shifting the focus.
Additionally, Philippians 3:9 echoes the idea of faith-based righteousness, underscoring the concept that true moral standing comes from belief rather than legal adherence. Titus 3:5 extends this by asserting that salvation is not achieved through righteous acts, while Romans 10:4 states that Christ is the culmination of the law for righteousness, directly challenging the notion that the law itself can provide righteousness.
This debate is comparable to two people preparing for a race: one believes following a strict regimen leads to victory, while the other trusts in the assistance of an experienced coach, even if it means deviating from the strict routine. Both paths suggest different routes to success and righteousness, prompting the question of whether adherence to rules or faith in guidance leads to true righteousness in the spiritual journey.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Deuteronomy 6:25 | And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the LORD our God, as he hath commanded us. |
| 2. | Romans 3:20 | Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law [is] the knowledge of sin. |
| 3. | Galatians 2:16 | Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. |
| 4. | Hebrews 7:19 | For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope [did]; by the which we draw nigh unto God. [the bringing...: or, it was the bringing in] |
| 5. | Ezekiel 18:21 | But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. |
| 6. | Philippians 3:9 | And 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: |
| 7. | Titus 3:5 | Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; |
| 8. | Romans 10:4 | For Christ [is] the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. |