Why can't human requirements be added to faith after the cross?
Human requirements cannot be added because the righteousness of God is received by faith in Jesus Christ, plus nothing. On this side of the cross, Christ's death and shed blood finished the work, and Scripture declares it complete. Adding repentance, baptism, church membership, or other conditions denies that finished work and has no basis in the text.
Les teaches that man's righteousness and good works are never brought in; only the righteousness of God by faith in Jesus Christ is in view. The verse says this righteousness is unto all and upon all them that believe, plus nothing. Les notes that people want to insert repentance, baptism, church membership, or whatever else, but the verse does not say it, and no one has the right to put it there. This is a whole new concept on this side of the cross: because Christ died, shed His blood, and cried 'Finished,' the work is complete. The human race tries to add to it, as though He did not quite finish, saying 'I've got to do this,' but the book says it is finished and complete.
Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
More Questions
Why do people try to add their own works to what Christ has done?
The human race keeps trying to add to Christ's finished work, reasoning that He didn't quite finish it and that they still have to do something, but the Bible says Christ's work is finished and complete.