Source Ministries International

Q & A

WHAT ABOUT THE LAW?

Q. Weeelllll, not sure which bible you are reading lol. Or more importantly how you have interpreted the “gospel of grace”. If you carefully read Paul’s writings you will find very clearly that the law is fulfilled, done and dusted, and it actually brings death (Pauls words, not mine). The new covenant REPLACED the old, did away with it, you can’t have some of the old and some of the new (Pauls words, not mine).

When obedience is discussed in the New Covenant it is talking about relationship, NOT law! Obedience becomes almost a non issue, because we are doing our “lovers bidding” we know his heart and work together with him. It would be like a husband saying to his new bride “if you want to please me, here’s a list of rules and regulations you have to follow”, thats not the Jesus I know :-

A. Jesus said He did not come to destroy the law but to fulfill it, and praise God He did. (Matthew 5:17) Thus He declared, “It is finished!” (John 19:30) However the ceremonial laws, which were established by God in preparation for the coming of Christ, have now been replaced by Christ Himself. (Hebrews 10:1, 12-14)

But the law, God’s righteous standard, remains.  In fact, God declared that the law is holy; furthermore He said it is good! (Romans 7:12) The law was never the problem.  It is the misuse and abuse of the law, often described as legalism that is the problem.

To be sure, the letter of the law is death—it has no life or power in it.  Therefore, keeping it can only produce the dead works of the flesh.  But the spirit of the law, now that’s another story.

It is the Spirit of the law that gives life! (2 Corinthians 3:6) So now, because we are in union with Christ, the righteousness of the law (not just the letter) can be fulfilled in us as we walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit! (Romans 8:4)

The Law-Giver has become the Law-Liver in us.  Now we are able to obey God, keep the law, and follow His leading, not in the energy of the flesh by trying to live for Him, but in the power of the Spirit as He lives through us.

“Obedience becomes almost a non issue, because we are doing our ‘lovers bidding’ we know his heart and work together with him.”  But it is not a non-issue because now the love of God constrains us to “do our lovers bidding” and “work together with Him.”

Doing and working are both acts of obedience to our Lord Jesus Christ.  Biblical obedience is not some legalistic ritual of dutiful obligation but the heartfelt love response of a child of God to his loving heavenly Father.

Today, under the new covenant, the law has been written on our hearts as new creations in Christ, in order that we might walk in His ways and do those things that please Him. (Hebrews 10:5-20) Therefore we can obey from the heart, and walk out the good works for which we were for-ordained in Christ. (Romans 6:16, Ephesians 2:10) Furthermore, we delight to do His will! (John 8:29, Romans 15:3, Hebrews 10:7)

True New Testament obedience is an act of faith that originates in your heart and is manifested in your life. When you love Him you will keep His commandments, not to prove your love, but because of your love. (John 14:15) Therefore, I delight to do your will oh God!