The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming--not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. Hebrews 10:1 (NIV)
Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions. He has lost connection with the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow. Colossians 2:16-19 (NIV)
The Law does not have the power to save, no matter how closely we may follow it. The continuous sacrifices of the old order repeatedly offered year after year bring testimony to this fact. Indeed, the Law was a shadow of the good things that were to come as the Apostle writes in Colossians. It was never meant to save but to point us to the fact that we desperately need a Savior. The “shadows” of the Law and the continuous “echoes” of those who believe it will save them, are mere pointers to Christ, the Substance, Who does save completely all who come to Him. While pride often accompanies legalism, Christ offers freedom from this bondage. He came to set us free from sin and death. “Make perfect” does not mean sinless perfection rather a definitive removal of guilt which makes access to God possible for those who have put their faith in Christ Jesus as their Savior. He is both our sufficiency and strength. Believers are wrapped in the robe of His righteousness and are therefore enabled to enter into the presence of the Father – freely and without condemnation. His finished work on the cross accomplishes this on our behalf. He cleanses our sins past, present and future as we run to the foot of the cross daily for cleansing.
This does not negate the following of the Law for the Believer – rather the adherence to it through His power for His glory. Indeed, Christ told us in the Sermon on the Mount that He came to fulfill the Law not abolish it. Walking in freedom through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, following hard after Christ – Who fulfilled the Law perfectly – demonstrates Who we belong to and that we live by faith in the “Substance” and not in the “shadow”.
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 (NIV)