(1) So now those who are in Christ Jesus no longer have any verdict set against them. (2) For the living spiritual law in Christ Jesus has freed you from sin’s deadly law. (3) Because God did what the law, weak working through the flesh, could not do. He did it by sending his son in the form of sinful flesh, and through that sin offering he judged sin in the flesh. (4) So that the just requirement of the law could be fulfilled in us, who do not live according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. — Romans 8:1-4, lightly paraphrased
There’s an attitude in Christianity that keeps many of us from moving forward. It’s the attitude of continual weakness, one that almost revels in being weak and in failure. If we’re weak and failing, then we know that we’re not proud. We’re ready to receive salvation. If written about this attitude before, but I feel led to write again.
Sometimes this is contrasted to the Old Testament. People suppose that God required different things from people in Old Testament times in order for them to be in good relationship with him. I’m not talking about the details like animal sacrifices and specific rituals. Some folks think that the Old Testament folks were saved by works, and that this only changed with Jesus.
But there has always been just one way to get into right relationship with God, to be justified, and that’s initiated by God, given by grace, and received by faith. But there’s also one goal for all time that results from God’s action in your life, and that goal is holiness.
Romans 7 & 8 illustrate both the problem and the solution. We are weak. We do struggle. We can’t make it. But thank you God! You’ve provided a way to get out of the trap.
Now it’s good to be humble. But when the living law of Jesus Christ is operating in you and you are living according to the Spirit, it’s time to give credit where it’s due. The thanks is due to Jesus Christ, and the result is real. Give testimony to the working of Jesus in your life. You’re part of a new kingdom, you’re living under a new law, you’re producing new fruit, and you’re heading for a new destination. Alone, you’d be weak, but you’re living in Jesus and Jesus is living in you, so there’s no need for you to be acting alone.
Jesus has set you free. Enjoy it!
And we know that God makes everything work together for the good of those who love him, who are called according to his purpose. — Romans 8:28
Thank you,and God bles you.