The power of God in the gospel is the incredible way that God imparts righteousness through faith in Christ. Through this faith in Christ, his righteousness is imputed to all who believe because the penalty for sins is paid by his atoning sacrifice. Furthermore, this faith is not a one-time faith for justification only, but is an ongoing faith for sanctification as well. It is faith and the work of the Holy Spirit that is source and fountainhead of sanctification… not external law keeping by the flesh. The Law of Moses was a guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith in Christ. Once faith in Christ came, the law and the temporary Mosaic Covenant came to an end. Therefore, the righteous live by faith… not law keeping.
Paul develops this theme fully in the book of Romans. It is through grace and not the law that believers are justified and sanctified.
Other references: Acts 15, Galatians
[especially chapter 3]
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