Law or Love

The gospel of Jesus Christ truly is what I call the major battle between law and love. While there was so much law in the land, Jesus was on the scene preaching love.

Galatians 2:19-21 says, "For through the Law I died to the Law and its demands on me [because salvation is provided through the death and resurrection of Christ], so that I might [from now on] live to God. I have been crucified with Christ [that is, in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith [by adhering to, relying on, and completely trusting] in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. I do not ignore or nullify the [gracious gift of the] grace of God [His amazing, unmerited favor], for if righteousness comes through [observing] the Law, then Christ died needlessly. [His suffering and death would have had no purpose whatsoever.]”

To die to the law is to die to a system of rules. Law means a system of rules that are created and enforced. They are put in place to make sure that individuals adhere to them. Jesus came to abolish this way of living. Jesus, who is the gospel, is a man who came on the scene and built his own system. His system is called "The Gospel." The intent of this gospel is to abolish religious law and rely on FAITH and GRACE, which both come without righteousness. To die to the law is to die to the book of right or wrong for a life of grace and faith. To be crucified with Christ is to be made whole with Him. To be with Him is to be covered, protected and healed. We are put to death to our own desires, agendas, and fleshly wants. We, as God's people, have risen with Christ to fulfill His mission of forming the world in His image of the great gospel. Most importantly, we trade that religious law for a life of love. This is what Christ offers...true relationship with Him where love, grace and faith live. In verse 21, the lesson of grace should be taught regularly. Grace cannot be earned and shouldn't be played with. How much mercy do we really believe we will have before the Lord reigns?

Will you give up law for a life of love?

YOUR WORD: The Lord wants us to throw off the set of rules and law that's been given in this former "normal" for a life of love, which is God's brand new system. The system we once knew has died. It no longer exists, and He will establish His kingdom and system here. The systems will reflect how He's always wanted them to look. Look to your word for my reflections of God's love for his people, and most importantly, you.