A Torah Misinterpretation – Can our righteousness save us?
Please consider the verse in picture. Often unbelieving Jews mislead Christians by stating that the Torah is enough for righteousness and thus they are saved.
Fact is, these are disillusioned and did “not” see the ‘real meaning’ intended which begins by understanding the difference between ‘our righteousness’ (which “cannot” save us) and the ‘Righteousness of God’ (by which we will be Saved).
These are distinct things as the ‘real faithful Jews’, the prophets of God knew & ‘searched’ for it:
“As to this Salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the Grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries,” – apostle Peter, apostle of the Jews (1 Peter 1:10, NASB)
“for I say to you, that many prophets and kings wished to see the things which you see, and did not see them, and to hear the things which you hear, and did not hear them.” – Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 10:24, NASB)
Here’s a brief edification regarding this:
Can ‘our righteousness’ save us?
No. Why?
“I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.” (Galatians 2:21, KJV)
Our righteousness is NOT the Righteousness of God’ but is like ‘filthy rags’:
“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” (Isaiah 64:6, KJV)
The only way to be ‘Saved’ is by ‘God’s Perfect Righteousness Only’:
“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 3:23, KJV)
However, God is Good and Rewards ‘our (undeserved) filthy righteousness’ because ‘He is Good’:
“knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free.” (Ephesians 6:8, NASB)
“who “will give to each according to his works,” (Romans 2:6, NASB)
“And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.” (Revelation 14:13, KJV)
