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I. THE INSUFFICIENCY OF THE LAW TO PROMOTE RIGHTEOUSNESS.

1. It was never instituted for that purpose.

(1)  It is a standard of righteousness,

(2)  and therefore a constant and irritating reminder of unrighteousness, and

(3)  has no moral power.

2. Men have never found righteousness by the law.

(1)  All have sinned and broken it.

(2)  The best morality falls below its requirements.

3. On the assumption of its sufficiency

(1)  God's grace is frustrated;

(2)  Christ is dead in vain.

II. Hence THE NECESSITY OF SOME BETTER PROVISION FOR THE PROMOTION OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.

1. Men yearn after it.

2. It is God's will that man should be righteous or He would never have made him so.

3. Righteousness is the law and harmony of the universe which sin has broken.

III. GOD HAS MADE THIS PROVISION IN THE DEATH OF CHRIST.

1. That death has atoned for sin, and when accepted by faith past unrighteousness is remitted and man is justified (Romans 3:25).

2. By that death the Holy Spirit is secured who makes man actually righteous, and gives the power to fulfil all righteousness.

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KJV: I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

WEB: I don't make void the grace of God. For if righteousness is through the law, then Christ died for nothing!"