Paul writes to the Romans, "Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law" (3:31). Similarly, James writes, "But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing" (1:25). The law, for the Christian, is not some burdensome, tyrannous, Old Testament thing that Jesus abolished by his advent, death and resurrection. On the contrary, it is a gracious and liberating gift from the Lord himself.
I say that it is liberating, not only because this is the biblical witness, but because it is the reality of the Christian experience. Freedom, regardless of modern day definitions, is not being freed to do whatever a person wants. Rather, true freedom is being freed to do, and to want, whatever the Lord commands. When a Christian desires to do what he or she ought to do - that is freedom.
After saying this, I believe it is important to realize that we often allow our freedom in Christ to go unnoticed. That is, we are often blinded to the reality that we almost unconsciously desire and do that which we are obligated by God to do. A man kisses his wife before leaving for work without necessarily knowing he is following the command to love his wife well. A young lady is excited to be at church on Sunday without actually recognizing the Lord's commands to fellowship with other believers. And a wife joyfully sings while she prepares dinner for the household without intellectually acknowledging her duty to care for her husband and children.
For the Christian, the desire and ability to do what the Lord desires is more the rule than the exception. When we do fall into sin, like when an argument between the above husband and wife happens, the law comes in and directs them both back to Christ. I cannot think of a more gracious gift.
The heart of flesh (Ezek 36) which was ordained by the Father, purchased by the Son, and effected by the Holy Spirit, is the primary source of empowering liberty in our lives. It runs deeper than our intellect and even directs our volition. The law, in this sense, is truly written on our hearts. It is, therefore, not uncommon for us to obey without even knowing it. While this is a good thing, it is not good to leave the work of the Spirit unrecognized in our lives.
Failing to understand this, many tend to give most of their attention to the areas of life that demand a bit more sanctification than others - the areas of our lives where the law and our desires don't exactly match up. If we focus on this, we become inclined to say that the law is more burdensome than liberating. We are also more inclined to live lives of ingratitude, failing to thank him for the thousands of liberties the Lord has graciously given (see above).
But when we recognize the tremendous, blood-bought, grace of a changed and liberated heart, we are moved to give thanks and praise after we willingly love our spouse, when we joyfully serve a friend, and when we freely love the Lord who bought us. He has made us free indeed! And most of the time, it is not burdensome at all to do what the law commands (1Jn 5:3).
No comments:
Post a Comment