The people, however, got the idea that if they kept God’s laws, they would eventually become righteous. Over a period of time a mentality took hold among the spiritual leaders that culminated in what became known as the “righteousness of the Pharisees” , who considered themselves to be righteous by the “works of the law”. It is depicted in the story Jesus told about two men and their different attitudes. (Luke 18:10-14).

The Law of Sin and Death

The apostle Paul corrected this falsehood in his epistle to the Romans. In chapter 7 the “law” is mentioned over twenty times. Paul explained that the “law of sin and death” makes it impossible, in our own strength, to keep God’s Law for it produces only condemnation and death. He cried out “who can deliver me from this body of death?” (Romans 7:24).

In chapter 8:2, he gave the answer and spoke of another law, the “law of the Spirit of life in Christ” which delivers us from condemnation and enables us to walk in the Spirit, not the flesh. (Romans 8:1-8). The answer is in turning away from our self-motivated attempts to keep the law and to live in the Spirit of Jesus and thereby receive divine ability to walk in his life.

The Law of the Spirit of Life

He explained that those who have received the Spirit of Christ and live in his Spirit are free from the law of sin and death. This supernatural life is only possible through the power of the risen Christ. (Romans 8:9-11). By trusting wholly in Christ and drawing from his Spirit, we put to death the deeds of the body, and the power of the law of death is cancelled. Instead, we experience the liberty of being children and not slaves. (Romans 8:12-17).

We are children of God through Jesus, the Son of God. As expressed earlier, it is God’s will that we should know him as our Father. He has adopted us as sons and daughters and we can have a loving and close relationship with him as our Father. (Galatians 4:4-7). This means our status is one of heirs in the Kingdom of God.

Living in the Spirit of Christ

Paul wrote the most amazing truths about living in the Spirit of Christ. (Romans 8:18-30). He explained how the Spirit of God makes intercession for us so that everything works together for our good. We are no longer under condemnation. Christ makes intercession for us and God himself foreknew us, predestined us, justified us and will also glorify us. (Romans 8:31-39).

Paul concludes by saying that nothing can separate us from the love of God. This is the one truth above all others that enables us to endure all things and to overcome through Christ. It is these astonishing, stupendous truths that make us more than conquerors through him who loved us.

Join me as we continue on our journey through “A Life of Faith.”

Blog series Six – Two Kingdoms at War:

Episode 7: The Riches of His Grace

Episode 8: Works of the Flesh & Fruits of the Spirit

Blog series Seven – Pitfalls to a Life of Faith