Yesterday I shared the story of the Golden Calf and we were thinking about God’s Law and what good it is. Maybe a little Pop Quiz can help in this discussion. It only has two questions:

#1  Does God judge according to works? Yes or No?

The answer is yes. You will be judged on the basis of your works.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10

#2 Will you be saved by good works? Yes or No?

Surprisingly, the answer is again YES. Most of you probably thought of Ephesians 2:8-9 that tells you that you will not be saved by what you do. That is correct, but you will be saved by good works. They just won’t be your own good works. You are saved by the good works that Jesus did for you.

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21

This is the heart of the Gospel message. God took that perfect life Jesus lived, all His good works, and credited them to you through faith. You are saved by the good works Jesus did, including His self-sacrifice in your place. Your own good works wouldn’t cut it. You fall short. But Jesus did what you needed. The Law prepares you to hear this good news. That is why the Law is Good!

God’s law may evoke a passionate, emotional response of anger from you. That is a sign that it is doing its work, convicting and convincing you of your own sinfulness, preparing you to hear the good news of Jesus.

The Law was given for your benefit. It was not given to make you angry, even though that is what often happens. The Law was given to help you. It makes sense. But the Law is not what saves you. It prepares you to hear the message you need, the message of Jesus Christ, crucified in your place and risen again to proclaim victory.

Life makes sense when you don’t base it on emotions, your passions, or how you feel, like when you are angry. Life makes sense when you base it on God’s Word, both Law and Gospel, the Word that points you to Jesus Christ, crucified and risen again, to take care of the problem of your sin.