Anonymous
For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Danny Hickman
How is it a "problem" 'that no one can earn their right standing with God?' A better question is, 'Does anyone WANT TO have to earn a right standing with God?' An even sharper question is, WHY would anyone rather earn righteousness than be gifted a right standing with the Lord?'
I have my share of problems. The Falcons are 3 and 10... Food prices are skyrocketing!! This living room is too drafty... But I ain't trying to fix the stuff that ain't broke!
Galatians 3:10-14 (referenced here as the basis for the question) points out the two ways of being justified before God. There's justification by the works of the Law, (keeping every jot and tittle of the Law) and there's justification by faith in the work of Jesus on the Cross. (He also kept every jot and tittle of the Law, BTW).
The writer, who is the apostle Paul, says this: Know then that it is those of faith who are sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, forseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham, saying, "In you shall all the nations be blessed." So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. (Galatians 3:7-9)
And this: Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the Law, for "The righteous shall live by faith." (vs11)
Where's the problem for anyone?
Faith... it's the problem. It takes ALL THE GLORY away from the believer. The believer does nothing and can claim none of the credit for being saved.
Enjoy the problem!!