THERE IS NO LASTING VALUE IN JUSTIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF ONES OWN WORKS.
Galatians 3:22- But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. "The Old Testament has "included" or "enclosed" or "shut up" all of humanity under the umbrella of sin. Not a single person can appear before God on the basis of his own merit or righteousness. The totality of mankind is enslaved by sin and does not have the means to break free from its grasp. By "concluding" that everyone is under the bondage of sin, or under the curse of sin, the scripture shows that something external to mankind has to act to provide a solution that can save man from himself and his sinful nature. This "conclusion" also demonstrates that none of the paths that man has embarked on—primarily justification on the basis of one's own works—are of any lasting worth. "Because all other paths are shown to be futile, the only option for salvation and glorification...