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Study 15 of 18

Revisiting 1888, Part 3 — Righteousness by Faith

Righteousness is a free gift received by faith, enabling a quick work for Christ's return.

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

Schofield discusses how the 1888 message could have finished the work in just a few years because it presents righteousness as a gift. The law was never intended to be a means of earning life but a schoolmaster to lead us to Christ. Seeking life through the law is described as a "ministration of death." The session explains that the Israelites at Sinai failed because they promised to do the law themselves, being ignorant of God's righteousness. True righteousness is "God's doing" in the life, which Christ manifested by letting the Father work through Him. When we appropriate Christ's perfect life by faith, the law is satisfied. This "most precious message" offers the wedding garment of Christ's character, which is the only thing that fits us for the judgment and the time of trouble.

Key points

  • Using the law for any purpose other than reaching Christ is a perversion of its intent.
  • Salvation is entirely through faith in Jesus Christ, not by human merit or works.
  • The 1888 message presented righteousness as a gift that could quickly prepare the church.
  • We must stop trying to establish our own righteousness and instead receive God's gift.

Key texts

  • Romans 10:3-4
  • Romans 5:17
  • Philippians 2:7

From the book

Chapter 15 · Romans 4:1-8 · Read this chapter

  • “To use the law of God with men for any other purpose... than that they may reach Christ Jesus, is to use the law in a way that God never intended it to be used.” (ch. 15)
  • “Salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ alone. It doesn’t matter how much you try and keep the Ten Commandments... it will not merit you anything.” (ch. 15)
  • “When He Himself gives us the garment, the clothing, the character, that fits us for the judgment and for the time of trouble, I could then see how He could come just as soon as He wanted to.” (ch. 15)

Put it into practice

  • Acknowledge the impossibility of meriting salvation through your own best works.
  • Accept the righteousness of Christ as a present, free gift for your life.
  • Use the law as a guide to Jesus rather than a tool for self-justification.
  1. Comprehension

    1. How long did the 1888 message suggest it could take to prepare a people for the kingdom?

  2. Scripture

    2. What is the wrong purpose for using the Ten Commandments?

  3. Doctrinal Clarity

    3. Why is seeking life through commandment-keeping called the 'ministration of death'?

  4. Contrast

    4. What did the Israelites at Sinai fail to understand about God's promise?

  5. Scripture

    5. Whose works did Jesus say were being done in His life?

  6. Doctrinal Clarity

    6. What happens when we standing before the law with Christ in our possession?

  7. Contrast

    7. Why does the law accept nothing short of God's own righteousness?

  8. Application

    8. How does viewing righteousness as a 'gift' change your daily struggle with sin?