Many Christians today are taught incorrectly that God’s commands are a burden and we have been “set free” of the law by the death of Christ. This concept is definitively false. Jesus Christ was the living embodiment of the word of God. He is the word come to life to dwell among us.
14And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15John testified about Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’”
How can it make sense that the word became flesh to free us from the word? Jesus lived according to all of God’s commandments and instructions and we, as His disciples, should do likewise. He clearly taught that the law, instructions of God, were not to be done away with because of Him.
17“Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. 18“For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 19“Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
The law is very important. It sets a framework that helps identify what sin is so that we can turn from it and follow God more effectively. Sin existed before God brought the law through Moses and the law did not eliminate sin. The law allows us to better distinguish man’s ways from God’s ways. The law reveals to us sin so that we can turn away from it.
12Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned— 13for until the Law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the offense of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come.
Paul makes an important point in these verses. Being without the law does not change what is and is not sin. It simply is not called out clearly as sin because there is no law to point to what is right or wrong. Similarly, if we as Christians say the law is no longer valid, we do not change the nature of sin but rather only conceal and make less clear what is sin and what is righteousness.
Some will claim the law is invalid and has changed because it is now written on our hearts. That does not really make sense. If I have a law in a ledger written down and I commit it to memorization or write it down in a computer document, have I changed the law? No. I just rewrote the same requirements somewhere else. The written law is still quite relevant and helpful. Paul speaks further about what this means in Romans 2.
12For all who have sinned without the Law will also perish without the Law, and all who have sinned under the Law will be judged by the Law; 13for it is not the hearers of the Law who are just before God, but the doers of the Law will be justified. 14For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, 15in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them, 16on the day when, according to my gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus.
The emphasis in bold above is mine. Note the focus from Paul’s perspective. To have the law written on your heart means you do what the law says even without having a written copy of the law taught to you. It does not mean you change the law and act differently.
I grew up in a church that taught the false doctrine that the law of God was just for the past before the death of Jesus. It was not until much later that I came to better understand the will of our heavenly Father. I have found much joy in studying, understanding, and following what He calls us to do. It is not easy, in particular because so many Christians have a false understanding that the law is no longer relevant. What is really intriguing, is that much of what Christians believe is from the law, but they say the law is obsolete. However, obeying the full instructions of God provides a wonderful structure to guide us through life the way He intends.
It is important to actually read the Bible personally and not just read books written by others, though that can be a helpful supplement. Challenge yourself to apply God’s instruction in your own life and share it with others.
Read more: Understanding the Law – What Does It Mean Today?
I invite you to take a few minutes right now. Prayerfully ask God to reveal to you the truth of His word and study daily.
Shalom
Devotion by John in service to Christ
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