Righteousness before Christ was born
Very often we read of people being righteous before God in OT. Sometimes they are said to be 'blameless in the Law'. At times it is said that they found 'favor with God'.
What does this mean? Usually we assume "Oh! These people lived obediently and satisfied God's expectation". How much further from the truth could that be?
Even in this passage you can observe two such people. Zechariah/Elizabeth & Mary. These people in v46-55 & 68-79 recounts in joy (and fullness of Spirit) of their trust in God to provide a savior and their gratefulness to His covenant faithfulness.
The Law was designed to point to the Messiah- Jesus Christ. All who are described as righteous knew their own unworthiness (43,48-49, 68-79) and the infinitely exalted nature of God. Gal 3:24 says the law was designed to be a tutor to Christ.
Be it in OT or NT, The righteous person is one who looked keenly for the savior (from sin & present world) to rescue them. Noah, Abraham, David, Mary, Zecheriah and Elizabeth were all blameless because the understood their helplessness and longed for the Savior (as can be seen in their prophetic praise)
Created 5 months ago
