When you cross the Jordan, these tribes shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people: Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin. For the curse, these tribes shall stand on Mount Ebal: Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali. (vv. 12-13)

I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly. (Galatians 2:21)

Under the old covenant, there are two types of people: those who keep the law and gain righteousness and the rest who fail to keep the law and are cursed. Throughout the history of humans, God has been teaching us that no one is righteous under the law. We all are under the eternal curse. We all stand before Mount Ebal.

Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God; because by the works of the Law none of mankind will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes knowledge of sin. (Romans 3:19-20)

Because of the old covenant, we understand that we are in a helpless situation. If we rely on righteousness that comes from keeping the law, there is no hope. The old covenant makes us rely on God’s mercy. And this mercy was given through the cross of Christ and the coming of the Holy Spirit.

I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good. For I joyfully agree with the law of God in the inner person, but I see a different law in the parts of my body waging war against the law of my mind, and making me a prisoner of the law of sin, the law which is in my body’s parts. Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin. (Romans 7:21-25)

Theologians and ministers add to this glorious blessing of God’s grace and say that Christ kept the law perfectly so that we could be righteous under the law. Therefore, they proclaim that we need the law apart from the cross of Christ. Christ is righteous not because He kept the law as a human. He is God. He is righteous from eternity. He became a human so that His church would be one with Him. We now are the children of God because of adoption through the blood of Christ.

… and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. (Romans 8:17)

There is one common experience shared by all true Christians. That is suffering. Christ suffered under the authority of false believers and pagan worshipers. We also suffer because of who we are – the children of God. We speak truth. But false believers hate truth.

When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; those things must take place; but that is not yet the end. For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will also be famines. These things are only the beginning of birth pains. “But be on your guard; for they will hand you over to the courts, and you will be flogged in the synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them. And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations. (Mark 13:7-10)

Gospel means good news. But churches around the world are not preaching good news. They deny Sola Gratia. They got rid of God’s grace within their churches. While saying grace, they promote rebellion and adultery. Thus, their own words and actions prove that they hate God’s law. The essence of the law is love. However, they misuse the word and commit horrendous crimes in the name of love. God knows everyone’s heart. Those who are not under grace and deny Sola Gratia cannot escape God’s wrath.

Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His;” and, “Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to keep away from wickedness.” (2 Timothy 2:19)