II Corinthians 3- Our Futility

4 Such confidence we have through Christ toward God.

5 Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God,

6 who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

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While reading this passage I was encouraged that we can have confidence (as sinful as we continue to be while on earth) about our standing with God (vs 4).  But as I read the associated notes in my study Bible this is what I found about the Law:

"The letter kills in two ways: 1) it results in a living death.  Before Paul was converted, he thought he was saved by keeping the law, but all it did was kill his peace, joy and hope; and 2) it results in spiritual death.  His inability to truly keep the law sentenced him to eternal death.  Only Jesus Christ through the agency of the Holy Spirit can produce eternal life in one who believes."

So, not only is the law simply a measuring stick, but it's only purpose is to point our our inadequacy.  All our efforts are complete futility when measured up to God's standard.  That is the reason for Christ.  He is the only way to a relationship with God.

Now, back to vs.4...  Christ's death on the Cross for our sins gives us the ability to be reconciled, and because God Holy Word declares it, we have confidence through Christ!