In contrast to the other nations the people of Israel stood in a special relationship with God. The Old Testament scriptures were therefore primarily for the Jews. Their knowledge of God and His commandments, particularly in the law of Sinai was something special. However, it made them no better than other nations, for they were not righteous thereby. Indeed, through “deeds of the law” it was and is impossible to be justified before God: “Whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all” (James 2:10).

It was not the aim of the law to save the sinful. God wanted rather to show people through the law that they are guilty and need salvation (cf. Romans 5:20; 7:7-11).

“By the law is the knowledge of sin.” Whoever knows God’s just demands will conclude that he cannot fulfil them absolutely. And the more someone tries to keep God’s commandments, the sooner he realises that the power of sin rules over him, tempting him to rebel against and transgress God’s laws. So, although God’s law is “holy and just and good” (Romans 7:12), it proves to be “the strength of sin” (1 Corinthians 15:56).

God’s law can therefore not equip mankind with the righteousness enabling him to stand before God. It cannot forgive his transgressions nor free him from the power of sin that dwells in...http://www.dailydevotionalsonline.com/devdetails.php?devotional=thegoodseed&&id=4858

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