The Revelation of Sin Through the Law.

     The law is that commanded Word of God given through Moses on Mount Sinai, with such terrible voice, with such a storm, thunder, and lightning, (Exodus 19:16-20:1; Hebrews 12:18), That the children of Israel could not bear it, but they said to Moses, speak with the Lord, and do not let the Lord speak with us, so that we do not die. Yes Moses himself was afraid and terrified, which indicated the severity of the law. For it points to sin and condemnation, (Romans 4:15), since it requires of all people perfect righteousness of the internal person, (Deut 6:4, Matt 22:37), the entire nature created holy and of high understanding, full of the true knowledge of God, and in addition, a holy, pure heart which is zealous in the love of God.
     Thereafter the law condemned the internal impurity of nature, that is to say, the damage and loss of the created wisdom and knowledge of God and the inherent righteousness and holiness of heart, (Psalm 51:12; Eph 2:1). Again, it condemned the bad desire and inclination against God's law, (Romans 3:20, 7:7). So whoever reads the law with a veiled outlook, (2Cor 3:16), that one must tremble and become humble before God's wrath, just as with Israel. Yes as Moses himself is depicted for us, (Exodus 20:19; Heb 12:19).
     And that is why the law was given from God, not that it should bring persons to perfect righteousness, salvation, and eternal life (For out of the works of the law no flesh may be justified), Romans 3:20; Galatians 2:16, but that they through the revelation of sin should learn to fear God, know themselves, humble themselves under the powerful hand of God (1Peter 5:6), and also be prepared to accept Jesus Christ, the only Savior, with a repentant heart, (1Tim 2:5), and to seek and hope for salvation through His grace and merit alone, (Ephesians 2:13; 14:14, 15:8-11).
     Since the law now teaches the knowledge of sin, (Romans 7:7), and the fear of the Lord comes out of such knowledge, that beginning of all wisdom, (Eccles 1:16), without which no one can be justified, and out of the fear of the Lord comes a broken, defeated, and humbled heart, (Psalm51:17), which is well pleasing to God, therefore the law serves partly for the new birth. since no one can be born or made alive, and no one can believe the gospel unless he first genuinely repents, just as the Lord Jesus Christ himself testifies, for he taught the people repentance first, (Matt 3:2), and after that faith, and he has also thus commanded his apostles so to do, (Luke 24:46).

Taken from The Writings of Dirk Philips
Copyright 1992 Herald Press
Scottdale, Pa.
Pages 358-359