Free!

Free!

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Romans 8:1 KJV

The Context:

Paul in his letter to the Romans spoke extensively about the law of sin and death and the law of the Spirit. Both are extreme masters, brooking no disobedience, dissent or rebellion. Both have eternal impact, with hell and heaven at the end of the spectrum for all who are subject to only one to the end of their lives. And that is the clincher: at one time in our lives, all of us were subject to the power of the law of sin and death, which was attached to our human nature of sin. We had no choice in the matter, because we inherited that nature from Adam and Eve. It was not the law per se that led to death, but our human nature that just could not compel itself to align with the law. In the law given to Moses was the punishment for disobedience to the law, which was condemnation and death.

Just as all who obey the law given to Moses were justified under its terms, so also do all who obey the law of the Spirit are justified under his own terms too. However, the law given to Moses did not provide the means or strength for all under it to be able to willingly obey it, and that is also why it was impossible for anyone, in the human nature, to be justified in God's sight simply by obeying that law. It is this understanding that leads us to today's extract. 

The Message:

The points above help us to understand the THEREFORE in today's extract. As long as my confidence is in what I can do, today's extract does not work for me. As long as I am able to plead good works and fervent service just on their own merits alone, I can't take advantage of the benefits indicated in today's extract. The law given to Moses focused on works: sacrifices, blood and festivals;  quite a lot of them. Condemnation was a fundamental part of the law, as it had nothing good for those who could not obey its dictates. However, for all who depend on the Spirit, you find help and strength to fulfil the law of the Spirit. I am not left alone to struggle to obey, but I am provided with the means, help, support and daily presence to help me live in line with the dictates of the law of the Spirit. 

Note that the offer is for those who are IN Christ Jesus, not just those who have heard about him, or know he is powerful. Knowledge is good, but it is not enough. Personal experience is the only key to the full activation of all that is on offer. The devil knows the power of God, but that knowledge will not save him from his destruction that is coming. I have to be in Christ Jesus, located in him, resting in him and secure in him. My permanent residence must be in Him, not just in the multitude of good works. 

And it is important to note that you cannot walk in both at the same time. The two are parallel lines with cannot meet no matter how long you draw them for. However, the danger is that you can cross the line into danger if you are not careful about your daily choices. You can't keep one leg in the law of sin and death and one leg in the law of the Spirit that gives life. Both are mutually exclusive, and cannot be combined. It is a daily walk too, not a daily lazing around, waiting for the pie to fall from the sky. The Spirit provides strength for the walk and work required as proof of my allegiance to the Spirit. He will provide what I need, but I must do the walk and work required. 

The Response:

It is obvious that all that the law requires will not be sufficient for the walk in the Spirit. As I take stock of my life today, I must be clear that I am not depending on the offers of the law of sin and death to help me please the Spirit. I must choose very carefully who I will submit to. This is not a buddy buddy relationship, even if God sees and calls me his own child. It is still a relationship that requires work to be done, with the Spirit as the senior partner, the one giving the instructions and I am required to obey. That is definitely a master-servant relationship, but with the added benefits of the master's grace, mercy, support, favour and daily presence as we walk. That is the peculiarity of what we have been called into, and I will do well to consider my present life and ensure that I am on the right path. My eternity will be glad I sorted this out before it was too late. Just as it applies to me, so does it apply to all of us: the law, on its own, holds no value for us, without the help of the Spirit. Get the Holy Spirit; receive all the help you need for the walk ahead and the eternal life that is the reward of a walk with the Spirit. His time of favour is here.