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Law and Grace
Richard WaialealeSCRIPTURE
Romans 7:7 (NLT)
7 Well then, am I suggesting that the law of God is sinful? Of course not! In fact, it was the law that showed me my sin...
Romans 7:14 (NLT)
14 So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin.
Romans 7:17 (NLT)
17 So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.
Romans 7:25 (NLT)
25 Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.
When the Bible speaks of “the law,” it refers to the standards of living that God gave to Moses, beginning in Exodus 20 with the Ten Commandments. Back in those days, the Law was given to separate God’s people from the evil nations around them and to define sin.
The Law also clearly demonstrated that no human being could purify himself enough to please God—i.e., the Law revealed our need for help, a Savior.
The same God who gave the Law also gave Jesus (John 3:16). His grace was demonstrated through the Law by providing the sacrificial system to cover sin.
Paul says, the Law shows us what God wants (holiness), and grace gives us the desire and power to be holy. Rather than trust in the Law to save us, we trust in Christ.
Now, everyone who comes to God through Christ is declared righteous.
John 1:17 says, “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” Jesus embodied the perfect balance between grace and the Law (John 1:14).
I must grow in trusting in Jesus. The bottom line is that I cannot do His will and desire for my life without trusting the plan He has for me. The condition of my heart must be the absolute yearning of wanting to be closer to Christ. Which means the deepest desires of my heart is to draw closer to Jesus, and whatever He does for me, He does only because of His grace.
Lord I thank you for the promises, the truth and the life - You have for me. I place my trust in You to cover me and protect me. I seek You and be found by You when I seek You with all my heart. In Jesus Name I Pray. Amen.
