| “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…” |
| —Romans 8:1 |
Very few people like to have their behavior constrained by rules and regulations. That’s why the children of Israel got into trouble so many times. When we read through the Old Testament, time and again we find God’s chosen people turning their backs on God’s law and rebelling against Him.
We’re just like them. Our natural bent toward sin always urges us to resist any constraints by rules and regulations and to do exactly what we want to do. This is true in the most simplistic of rules. For example, the speed limit is clearly posted. Yet, we travel at whatever speed we choose and get angry if a police officer pulls us over and gives us a ticket. If I created a list of common sins and posted them here, each of us could find one or more sins that we have willfully committed without shame.
Nevertheless, in His mercy, grace, and love, God has given us a powerful alternative to a list of rules and regulations. Whereas the Old Testament Law did not lead people toward righteousness, because of their natural, sinful rebellion, the Holy Spirit, who dwells within everyone who believes, nudges us to stay on the pathway of obedience to God’s will and His written Word. The Apostle Paul clearly explains these dueling laws in Romans 8:1-2:
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.
The law of the Spirit of life—that is, the Presence of the all-powerful Holy Spirit who dwells within us—has, indeed, set us free from the law of sin and death. Let us begin this new day by sharpening our listening skills, so that we may ever more clearly sense those holy nudgings of the Spirit. And, let us purpose in our minds and hearts to follow the pathway of life that the Holy Spirit opens up before us.
Based on a blog originally posted on Tuesday, May 10, 2016
