Connect Deuteronomy 6:25 with New Testament teachings on righteousness and faith. The Law’s Portrait of Righteousness • “And it will be righteousness for us, if we are careful to observe all this command that the LORD our God has commanded us.” — Deuteronomy 6:25 • In Israel’s covenant, righteousness was pictured as perfect, wholehearted obedience. • The verse highlights: – A God-given standard (“this command”) – A God-ward audience (“before the LORD our God”) – A promised standing (“it will be righteousness for us”) Paul Echoes Moses • Romans 10:5: “For concerning the righteousness that is by the Law, Moses writes: ‘The man who does these things will live by them.’” • Paul quotes Leviticus 18:5 but the thought parallels Deuteronomy 6:25—do and live. • By repeating Moses, Paul shows the Law’s demand is still holy and exacting. Why the Law Alone Cannot Justify • Galatians 3:10: “All who rely on works of the Law are under a curse.” • James 2:10: “Whoever keeps the whole Law yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.” • The Law is an inflexible mirror; it exposes sin but cannot remove it. Christ Fulfills the Law’s Demand • Romans 10:4: “Christ is the end of the Law, to bring righteousness to everyone who believes.” • 2 Corinthians 5:21: “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” • Jesus meets the standard of Deuteronomy 6:25 perfectly, then credits that righteousness to all who trust Him. Righteousness Now Received by Faith • Romans 3:22: “And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.” • Philippians 3:9: “Not having my own righteousness from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness from God on the basis of faith.” • Faith unites the believer with the obedient Son, transferring His record to us. Faith That Produces Obedience • Ephesians 2:8-10: saved “by grace…through faith…for good works.” • Titus 2:14: Christ “redeemed us…to purify for Himself a people zealous for good deeds.” • New-covenant obedience flows from gratitude and Spirit-enabled power rather than fear of condemnation. Bringing It Together • Deuteronomy 6:25 sets the bar: perfect obedience equals righteousness. • The New Testament reveals: – No one but Jesus clears that bar. – His righteousness is credited to believers. – Genuine faith, while resting in Christ’s finished work, grows into practical obedience—fulfilling the heart of Deuteronomy 6 in a Spirit-empowered way. |
    |