LAW AND GRACE

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Leviticus 24:20,23

a fracture for a fracture, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. Whatever anyone does to injure another person must be paid back in kind.

After Moses gave all these instructions to the Israelites, they took the blasphemer outside the camp and stoned him to death. The Israelites did just as the Lord had commanded Moses.


There is definitely a difference in the dispensation of the law and that of grace.


John 1:17

For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ.


For in the law the power of sin and death reigned, death had a filled day.


Jesus told the people of Israel:


Matthew 5:38-39

“You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’

But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also.


He also said:


Matthew 5:21-24

“You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’

But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.

“So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you,

leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.


Christ revealed to us the true nature of God and that nature was love!


John 1:18

No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us.


1 John 4:8

But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.


I have always said it that those who shout law, law!, that is those who hold on to legalism do not really know the law. They have no clue why certain instructions were given. They walk with self righteousness but love is far away from them.


However, in grace man looks up to God, his actions are as a result of love for God and for his fellow humans. Is this not the summary of the law?


Our problems most times are as a result of not understanding scriptures and not listening to God's Spirit who dwells in us. This ignorance then leads us to rope ourselves into the bondage that we have been set free from.


Then the factor of sin!


Romans 6:1-3

Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace?

Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?

Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death?


The fact that you have experienced God does not mean that temptation will not come your way. Also the fact that you overcame a particular temptation does not mean that another would not come? No!


For even Christ was not exempted:


Luke 4:13

When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came.


This is why Christ told the disciples (and us) before He physically left the earth:


Matthew 26:41

Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”


We must understand what the grace we have is all about. The Bible records it as grace and truth.


The grace has to do with God's hand in our life, His power that delivered us and showed us mercy. Truth has to do with our own obedience.


Jesus told some that He healed: ". . . go and sin no more . . ."


We are not under the law, however, we are not law breakers, we walk in grace and truth where the reason for the law is fulfilled and we live according to the will and nature of God.


Remember what God said through His prophet:


Jeremiah 31:33-34

“But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel after those days,” says the Lord. “I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.

And they will not need to teach their neighbors, nor will they need to teach their relatives, saying, ‘You should know the Lord.’ For everyone, from the least to the greatest, will know me already,” says the Lord. “And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.”


This is what Christ came to fulfill and what we enjoy today. 


The enemy(s) was never happy with this and they have worked tirelessly to make sure man does not enjoy it.


We have the full victory in Christ thus we have already overcome.


Glory to God forevermore.


PRAYER

Dear Father keep me in Your grace and truth, may I never take this for granted and may I never fall into the temptations of the enemies. You alone Father will I please in all things. My body, soul and spirit is Yours Lord. I have the victory. 


He calls us blessed.


Love

@the watcher

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