Not under the Law...

[Scuba]

 

Rom 5:20 "The Law came in so that the transgression would increase"

 

The law didn't come in to make things better.  The law was given to turn ignorant sin into transgression.  The law was given to prove that  we are sinners.

 

Turn to Gal 3:19

 

"Why the Law then?"

 

In other words why was the law given?

 

"It was added because of transgressions". In other words the law was given to turn sin into deliberate sin (transgression).

 

Now Ellen White:

 

"But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference. Romans 3:21, 22.

 

What is justification by faith (the gospel received by faith)?  It is the work of God in laying the glory of man in the dust, and doing for man (i.e., saving him "in Christ") that which it is not in his power to do for himself. When men see their own nothingness, they are prepared to be clothed with the righteousness of Christ."

 

Now, how does God place the glory of man in the dust?  Answer:  He uses the law to expose our wretchedness. Let's read on:

 

"Those whom heaven recognizes as holy ones are the last to parade their own goodness. The apostle Peter became a faithful minister of Christ, and he was greatly honored with divine light and power; he had an active part in the upbuilding of Christ’s church; but Peter never forgot the fearful experience of his humiliation; his sin was forgiven; yet well he knew that for the weakness of character which had caused his fall only the grace of Christ could avail. He found in himself nothing in which to glory.

 

None of the apostles or prophets ever claimed to be without sin. Men who have lived nearest to God, men who would sacrifice life itself rather than knowingly commit a wrong act, men whom God had honored with divine light and power, have confessed the sinfulness of their own nature. They have put no confidence in the flesh, have claimed no righteousness of their own, but have trusted wholly in the righteousness of Christ. So will it be with all who behold Christ."

 

Now notice the following:

 

"The righteousness of Christ, as a pure white pearl, has no defect, no stain, no guilt. This righteousness may be ours. Salvation, with its blood-bought, inestimable treasures, is the pearl of great price.

 

The thought that the righteousness of Christ is imputed to us, not because of any merit on our part, but as a free gift from God, is a precious thought. The enemy of God and man is not willing that this truth should be clearly presented; for he knows that if the people receive it fully, his power will be broken. "

 

Did you get that?  Not "imparted", but "imputed"!!!!  Imparted is what God does in us as we rest in His finished work.  But that's not what Ellen White is writing about.  She is writing about our position "in Christ" or the imputed righteousness of Christ.  

 

So our only hope is the imputed righteousness of Christ.  Yes, we will grow as we rest in Him, but as long as life last we will never be good enough for heaven.  Who says?  Answer: God's law!

 

 

Ref: http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=FLB&pagenumber=111

 

There are two sides to God's Law. One side defines righteousness and the other side defines love. The righteousness side of God's Law is satisfied in Christ for all who believe, Romans 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. But the love side of God's Law is alive and growing in us and looking to overflow through us.