Blameless and the Law

Galatians 3:24 note

24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith.

So the Bible I use is the Scofield Study Bible, an English Standard Version translation. It's an awesome translation, but the value is enhanced by notes, comments, and explanations about various cultural items and deep Christian doctrines. One of these notes comes because of Galatians 3:24 (see above).

The note is designed to be a summary of the Law of Moses. I am not the most learned person regarding this subject, so I am assuming what is written is true. The second point the authors make regarding the Law of Moses is the one that caught my eye. "The commandments and ordinances were one complete and inseparable whole. When an Israelite sinned, he was held 'blameless' if he brought the required offering."

Now having just reading Exodus 12, this naturally caught my eye. In case you haven't had the amazing opportunity to read that chapter, you need to. But in order to understand it fully, you need to read the previous 11 chapters. That's a tall order...

...so you better get started...

...Regardless, 12 is about how the Israelites are to remember the Passover feast, a celebration of the LORD bringing them out of Egypt by his strong hand. During the very first Passover, every Israelite household was to sacrifice a lamb and spread its blood on the doorway. This would be a sign for the people that their salvation was dependent on God and that their sins could only be covered by the blood of the lamb. Their freedom was solely dependent on God and his provision. It was a lesson in salvation and atonement. Because they were no different than the Egyptians, the only thing that qualified them for salvation was the blood of the lamb. It was the propitiation necessary for their sins. It does not mean those acts were not committed and that they weren't sinful. Instead, it means they are "blameless," not innocent. They're definitely guilty, but they are blameless.

Fast forward to today. What does this have to do with us in the 21st century? A lot.

This topic actually came up in the Icebox and Matt and I discussed this a bit. Is there a difference between innocent and blameless? We came to the conclusion that yes there is a difference. Innocent means I/we didn't do it. Blameless means I/we did, but are not facing the penalty for those actions. If one was to take the blame, that person is accepting the punishment for the action. Second question: because of Christ's sacrifice, who in I Corinthians 5 is called our Passover Lamb, are we blameless or innocent?

As far as I can tell, we are blameless. The Israelite was deemed blameless if the proper sacrifice was brought. In the same manner, Christ is our sacrifice, a sentiment echoed throughout Scripture. Through the blood of the Lamb, our sins have been atoned for because Christ's sacrifice is sufficient. However, my actions in the past have not changed. It is as if each sin rang a bell. It is then impossible to "un-ring" that bell.

Now if the proper sacrifice was not brought, the Israelite was deemed guilty. From Romans, we know that the wages of sin are death. Therefore, without the proper atonement, God could justly and rightly claim the life of that Israelite, or any person for that matter. The point is that the sacrifice does not change the past. Instead, it takes the place of the offender in regards to the punishment.

This is how we as Christians need to view Christ. We are washed white as snow, sure. But our past is not changed. We are still sinners in need of God's grace. Christ's sacrifice on the cross and separation from God is the punishment we deserve. However, because Christ is our Passover Lamb who took the blame. By taking the blame, he took the punishment. Therefore, we are blameless because we do not have to suffer the punishment.

This is only half the story, though, and praise be to God for that. Not only are we held blameless for our past sinful actions, but we are also given the perfect righteousness of Christ. When we cling to Christ, our past does not change but that doesn't mean we are not justified and in the process of being sanctified right now. Through abiding in Christ, God sees Christ's righteousness; it is attributed to us.

The power and demonstration of the Spirit is in transformed lives. People do not have to forget that I was angry and sinful in my past. I want them to remember that. I also want them to see me as I am now: redeemed and sanctified, a changed man. There is only one reason such a stark contrast can be seen: Christ. When others see me serving God and think of me as a good person, what they really see is the righteousness of Christ. The good that I do is merely fruit of a great and holy God working through me, despite my shortcomings. Therefore, I cannot take any glory for my actions, just as I am no longer suffering the punishment for my sins. Christ is my Passover Lamb and he deserves of the glory--as well as all my life.