The Everlasting Covenant

Faith Means Obedience to the Law

Before we proceed further, let us have a few definitions. “Sin is the transgression of the law,” ³ and “all unrighteousness is sin.” ⁴ Therefore it follows that all unrighteousness is transgression of the law, and just as evidently that all righteousness is obedience to the law. So when we read that Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness, we may know that his faith was accounted to him for obedience to the law. EVCO 295.3

This accounting of faith for righteousness was not an empty form to Abraham, nor is it to us. Remember that the accounting is done by God, who cannot lie, yet who calls things that are not as though they were, by the power by which He makes the dead live. Abraham actually possessed righteousness. Faith works. “This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent.” “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness.” ¹ EVCO 296.1

This little digression will help us to bear in mind that in the chapter before us there is no disparagement of the law, but the righteousness, which is the fruit of faith, is always obedience to the law of God. EVCO 296.2