And why not say, “Let us do evil that good may come”?—as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say. Their condemnation is just.
Romans 3:8
I want to be as clear as the apostle was on this issue. We do not teach that we are saved by grace so live your life anyway you want. The teaching is that though you have broken your relationship with God as sinner there is a way of grace to have that relationship restored. It is also a refusal to be put under the Mosaic Law or some modernized version of legalism. Some people may consider our emphasis on God’s goodness and His grace as a license to live a sinful life. We are free from the Mosaic Law. We are free from the Law of Sin and Death. We are not free from the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus.
The letter of the law kills because it is rooted in behaviors and rituals without regarding the heart. The Spirit of the Law is actually more difficult to follow. Jesus gave these examples: The letter of the Law says, “Don’t commit adultery”-The Spirit of the Law says, “Don’t lust in your heart.” Which is harder? Which causes the other? The letter of the Law says, “Keep your vows.” The Spirit of the Law says, “Don’t make vows just say what you mean.” Please let me encourage you to not settle for the righteousness of the letter of the Law. Reach deeper and fulfill the Spirit of the Law. Let your holiness be that of a pure conscience in love not an “earned” self-righteousness that boast of being better than others. Remember the publican and the sinner.
Yes, follow the Spirit of the Law and be holy as He is holy. We are His children, and as we grow in relationship with Him we should begin to resemble Him in character. Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God almighty! But if you sin confess to Him who is faithful and just to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Free In Him,
Pastor Jason
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