How many Scriptural problems would be solved, how many seeming contradictions explained, if we were more careful to note the time element, emphasized so strongly in the Word of God.
In Romans 5:12 we learn that sin entered the human race by Adam. Then later βthe law enteredβ (Ver. 20). But still later the Apostle Paul arose to say: βBut now, the righteousness of God without the law is manifestedβ (Rom. 3:21).
Early in manβs history blood sacrifices were required for acceptance with God (See Gen. 4:4; Heb. 11:4), later circumcision and the Law (Gen. 17:14; Ex. 19:5), and still later, repentance and water baptism (Mark 1:4; Acts 2:38). But not until Paul do we learn of salvation by grace through faith alone, on the basis of Christβs finished, all-sufficient work of redemption.
This is why the Apostle refers in Gal. 3:23 to βthe faith which should afterward be revealed.β This is why he declares that our Lord βgave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due timeβ, and adds: βwhereunto I am ordained a preacher and an apostleβ (I Tim. 2:6,7).
It is only as we recognize the time element in Scripture that we see the difference between βthe kingdom of heavenβ and βthe Body of Christ,β between βthe gospel of the kingdomβ and βthe gospel of the grace of God,β between the βdispensation of lawβ and βthe dispensation of the grace of God.β
A comparison of Romans 3:21 and 26 shows how this time element is emphasized in Scripture. After discussing the function of the Law in Verses 19 and 20, the Apostle Paul declares: βBut now the righteousness of God without the law is manifestedβ¦β Then, in Ver. 26 he states that it is Godβs purpose: βTo declare, I say, at this time His [Christβs] righteousness; that He [God] might be just and the Justifier of him that believeth in Jesus.β source
