Gospel or Law?

 

Isa 8:14 He will be as a sanctuary, But a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense To both the houses of Israel, As a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 15 And many among them shall stumble; They shall fall and be broken, Be snared and taken."

 

Last time, we looked at Jesus as our sanctuary, a refuge of ultimate safety that cannot be breached. You and I are safe as long as we remain in the nail-scarred hands of Jesus. (neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand ) (John 10:28)

BUT! Woe to those who reject this Cornerstone! He will be a “stone of stumbling, a rock of offense, a trap, and a snare!” This is not some ordinary kind of a catch and release trap, it is deadly. It is final! And that is the lot of those who reject Jesus as the Messiah.

 

The New Testament is rife with repetitions of this prophetic warning! Jesus said this to the Jewish leaders of His day:, "Have you never read in the Scriptures: 'The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. This was the LORD'S doing, And it is marvelous in our eyes'? 43 "Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it. 44 "And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder." (Mt 21:42-44)

 

Good news for us Gentiles who have come to faith, bad news for those who continue to reject Him!

Simeon had this prophetic warning for those of Israel: "Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against.” (Luke 2:34)

The writer of Romans reminds us: “What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith; 31 but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. 32 Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone.

 33 As it is written: "Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, And whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame." (Ro 9:30-33)

 

It’s the age old salvation battle of Gospel (righteousness by faith alone) versus Law (righteousness by works.) What will it be for you? Do you still believe that on Judgment Day, you will stand before God and convince Him that you have been “good enough” to earn heaven, or will you be relying on the righteousness of Christ through faith in His finished work on the cross?