Before we were introduced to faith, we were in many ways imprisoned under the law. Entangled by the worldly bondage that exists in this world. In this realm, we were incapable of escaping as if there were no plan of escape to utilize. Conversely, even if there was such a plan in place, what would we be escaping too? Certainly, it would be hard to have a battle of wits with an unarmed man, particularly if that man had never been introduced to faith or of its effectiveness. Like so many aspects of life, for those things which I do not know, I need an instructor.
Indeed, while we may have read of Abraham's faith, we were still incapable of grasping the meaning. We needed to have our understanding opened and the meaning expanded upon. So who would open the cell doors of our mind? Definitely not any of our cell mates, for they also were/are wallowing in the mire of sin, imprisoned by the law of sin and death. These too then are without a key.
But God works in mysterious ways. The scriptures specifically ask, "For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been His counsellor?" (Romans 11:34)
"For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that He may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ." (I Corinthians 2:16)
That "the mind of the LORD might be shewed them." (Leviticus 24:12)
So, in the beginning days, after Adam sinned, the law had become our custodian. The law was like a strict governess in charge of us. Even so, our hearts were left wanting. That is, until we looked beyond our hopeless predicament and called in our hearts for a deliverer.
In this capacity, God was and still is the only hope for us. Out of our hopelessness we looked up with expectancy. It was here that faith was seeded in men’s heart. So, by our imprisonment we were taught the defined meaning of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. And the incurred wages, we swallowed it hook, line, and sinker. In other words, we dug our own hole, a hole so deep that we could not climb out of it.
Like the simple analogy of the man and woman walking at night and falling into a deep hole. They were unable to scale the walls of earth so they did what most people would do. They started calling for help. Along came a priest (it could be a rabbi too) who, upon hearing the yells of distress, ventures over to the hole. When he sees the man and woman in the hole, he starts praying but then walks away.
The man starts calling again and this time a doctor hears the cry. He approaches the hole and seeing the situation, takes a note pad from his pocket and writes the two a prescription. He throws the prescription into the hole and then turns around and walks away.
In many ways, this resembles society today - the 'powers that be' may be in power but they do not have the solution. Still, the two people stuck in the hole start yelling louder than before. Surely, there must be some intelligent and compassionate life up there who will help us get out of this predicament. Just then, a friend just happens to be taking an evening stroll when he hears the distressed call. He approaches the hole, peruses the situation and immediately jumps into the hole. Wow! The man and woman in the hole start thinking, "Well, that was not too smart!"
Here we are, with nothing but a prayer and a prescription and you decide to join us too! Well, the friend smilingly says, “Only believe. I know the way out." I can help you get out of this mess. I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. (John 14:6)
Thus, the reality is this. The world does not have the answer. When no one else could help, His love, the love of Jesus, lifted me beyond the depth of despair, and the burdens of this world.
Apostle Paul writes, "Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world ... but now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? ... Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which genders to bondage, which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answers to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children." (Galatians 4:3, 9, 24-25)
But now, when we believe in the Lord Jesus by faith, and go on to become water baptized in His precious Name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are set free.
Therefore, the good news song that we should be singing in our hearts?
"He came to me. I could not go to where He was so He instead came to us." And all we have to do is believe in Him by faith -- the Lord of Glory. The King of kings. The Great I AM. The Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending.. Thus, the message here is to step out in faith and trust the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. Cast all your cares and concerns upon Him. Why? Because He cares for you. Let me say that again --- He really cares for you.
So, in terms of covenants (the old and new) you are not under law if you believe in Jesus with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. In fact, you are now under the dispensation of grace, whereby the Lord has declared peace and goodwill to all. Indeed, Glory to God in the highest! How did we get there? The law is a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ! We recognized that we could no longer do all the things that the Law commanded, and therefore we failed, as in "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)
"Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned ..." Romans 5:12)
"If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His Word is not in us." (I John 1:10)
This explains why when you believe, you are under the new testament -- the covenant of grace -- grace that is given and yet unmerited. While the law was given through angels to Moses, note that God's plan of salvation, grace and truth came to us through Jesus the Christ. Personally delivered to you and me. Jesus said to call upon Him and He -- "I shall deliver you."
"And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification." (Romans 5:16)
My kinsmen according to the flesh. Faith in Jesus is the victory that can overcome the world. Read Acts 2:36-47 today and understand the peace and joy that will fill your heart if you would only ask Jesus to be both Lord and Christ in your heart. God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16)
He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:!0-11) This is why the Good Shepherd laid down His life for His sheep. Now that is everlasting and abundant love.
"After the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared ..." (Titus 3:4)
Stand in the offering plate.
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