Philippians 3:6b touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

I spoke earlier about not being into apologetics. There is however within me the desire to understand what I am reading. It occurred to me that this statement which is the Word of God and true has the opportunity to mislead believers and give occasion to the unbeliever to use his great knowledge to cast dispersions about.

If asked, “Since Paul was blameless without Jesus, why does he need Jesus?” My answer would have to satisfy both believers and unbelievers. In doing that I admit that a believer would only require as much as faith would cover. An unbeliever, lacking faith, would need something more convincing.

A believer might by faith accept without further edification that Jesus did away with the law as the standard for right standing before God. I know I would be satisfied with that answer.

For an unbeliever a more detailed explanation would be required. I think that perhaps I would begin with explaining that blameless is not the same as sinless. The law contained atoning sacrifices to cover the sins of the people. The covering atonement left them blameless but not sinless.

Hebrews 10:1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

Herein lies the second part of the necessity in which Paul needed Jesus. He was up until this point at which he met the risen Christ perfect in execution of the law, but his performance to continue in exercise of the law would be at risk. Nothing guaranteed Paul would continue on as he had before.

It doesn’t matter how good you were yesterday, there is always tomorrow to worry about.

Only Jesus can take away tomorrows sins.