Thurs., 3/17/16 Devotion (Gal. 3:24)

Today's encouragement comes from Galatians 3:24, where we read these words, written by Paul:

"Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justifi-ed by faith."

The law of God *does* have several roles in believers' lives. Its main purpose is to drive us to despair, with regard to finding or achieving any righteousness before a holy God on the basis of religious works or good behavior. The law condemns us, and shuts out any and every vestige of hoped-for self-right-eousness.

But, thankfully, once we sinners are brought to the utter "end" of ourselves—we are graciously directed to the One (Christ) who actually *can* save us. By faith we take hold of Jesus' righteousness, and we are then placed into His body (the church), and enjoy all the benefits that have accrued to Him.

[Puritan quote of the day: "He who has ever been acquainted with God and seen the light of His pleased face would rather die a thousand deaths than forfeit His favor or incur His displeasure.” —Robert Harris, in, "The Way to True Happiness"]