A Lawless Life?

Paul wrote to the Galatians, telling them they were foolish for returning to the law, having experienced the freedom of Christ. "Those of you desiring to be under the law, do you not hear the law?" The law stifles humanity's relationship with Christ--causing us to think that we can mediate our salvation.

Hoekstra writes, "Many who are redeemed, having found new life through faith in Christ, also want to remain under the law concerning spiritual growth and service. This is another case of "not hearing the law." Any believer who expects to make progress in a life pleasing to the Lord on the basis of one's own best efforts does not really hear what the law reveals as God's will for lives.

The law of God is not suggesting that we "be better;" it is demanding that we "be holy," as holy as God. The law is not implying that we "be nicer;" it is requiring that we "be loving," as loving as Christ. The law is not proposing that we "try harder;" it is insisting that we "be perfect," as perfect as our Father in heaven.

The law of God is not asking us to improve ourselves or to be better than the next person. Many times this inaccurate statement is heard: "Just do the best that you can; what more could God require?" Well, God is demanding far beyond our human best. His law is demanding that lives "be holy," "be loving," and "be perfect." Moreover, He Himself is the standard of this holiness, love, and perfection."

This being said, what is our response to the law? Do we make efforts in spiritual disciplines to improve ourselves? or to develop the relationship with Christ, through which the Holy Spirit instructs and transforms us? Methinks the latter. We have no power to make ourselves holy or pure, it is only through relationship with Christ that this can happen.

Sunday, I received communion. I say received in the sense that I sat in my pew and a loaf was passed and a tray full of cups as well. However, no one gave me the bread or cup, I took it myself when they were passed to me. I believe this is a picture of our response in this matter. We, given free will, take Christ, and then, having been given the gift of salvation, allow the Holy Spirit to melt and mold our hearts into what Wesley would call "perfection."

Is this living under the law? or is it a life freed from the law, rejoicing in renewal daily? Methinks the latter.