The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The command of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is sweet reward. Psalm 119: 7-11, NIV.
Holy God, we are so grateful for the opportunity to study Your Word in freedom. We anxiously await instruction from Your Holy Spirit, in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Some of the most popular sermons in Christendom seem to be those that speak of, “Grace and grace, alone.” I agree with this premise one hundred percent, when it has to do with our salvation. For “we are saved by grace, through faith,” in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! “What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus! What can make me pure within? Nothing but the blood of Jesus! . . . No other fount I know; Nothing, but the blood of Jesus!” Our faith in the grace of God, is the only thing that brings us salvation! No amount of good works can save us, for “it is not of works lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2: 8, 9). Good works come simply, as a natural result, in the life of someone who has been saved by grace (10)!
I have dealt with this topic before, but a reminder every now and then, is in order. Perhaps the first question we should ask, is: Why law? The short and simple answer to that question would be: Because God gave them to us. To that I would add – and God only gives us what is good for us. I know that such a statement is open to a lot of theological, and philosophical, debate. For everyone’s information, this is my personal statement of faith. Another answer to our question is: Because there is a place for law in our personal lives, and in society. Laws protect our health. Laws protect our lives. Laws protect our property. There are laws for just about every aspect of our lives.
Let us take a few minutes to discuss the first reason: Because God gave them to us. But who can know the mind of God? Even though Paul answers that by saying,”But we have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2: 16b); it is a fearful thing to make statements “in the name of God!” A very fearful thing! Nevertheless, He invites us to come and reason with Him. I see that as an invitation to get to know Him better, and to learn what is His will for us. Therefore, based on that belief, I see as one of God’s main reasons for giving us His laws, a desire for us to grow. More often than not, we tend to forget that we were created in the image of God, and after His likeness. It is hard for us to conceive what that means! It is so beyond us! Added to that, we seem not to realize how far we have come from that original model! The road back to the original is not expected to be short and sweet. to the contrary, it will be quite difficult, because, in order for God to be able to re-create us in His image, it requires our surrendering to His will, which is, perhaps, the most difficult thing for us to do! But God has given us the assurance, that, “[We] can do everything through him who gives [us] strength” (Philippians 4: 13).
I suppose, we have all heard the phrases, “Growing pains,” and, “No pain, no gain!” For a child to get teeth, he or she, goes through the pain of teething! During the teenage years, I believe the emotional pain, becomes greater than any physical pain, as young ladies and young men experience hormonal changes. But these changes are indispensable for their growth. As we grow older, in order for our muscles to maintain their functionality, we must exercise. This can be very painful at times; especially, if we leave off exercising for a significant period of time, and then resume the practice! So life, and especially, “quality of life,” is intimately linked with the growth process. And this is not only true in the physical realm, but also the spiritual! Therefore, God has given us laws, to help us in our moral growth. As we as Christians, strive by His grace, to be faithful to God in our dealings with others, we “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3: 18a); and become more like Him! Growing may be painful, but it is good for us; and God’s instrument of growth, His law, is good for us!