In another place, the scripture saith, "If ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law." (Galatians 5:18)
Is this contradictory? What about the Ten Commandments? Well, on this side of the cross, wherein the Lord Jesus shed His precious, holy blood for our sins, having made the purchase for you and I, paying the price in full, the laws (including the Ten Commandments) that were formally written on tablets of stone are now scribed within our hearts. As such, we are wholly able to discern the difference between right and wrong. We know what is truth. And as Jesus said, we should know by love how to serve one another. To love our neighbours. (Mark 12:29-31; Deuteronomy 6:4)
As well, we should remember the context in Galatians 5, which begins by telling those who believe in Jesus as Lord of lords and King of kings -- by faith -- to stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ. Why? Again, because of His sacrifice on an old rugged cross, we have been set 100% free. Thus, when we believe in the risen Jesus as both Lord and Christ, we should no longer be in bondage as captives to the things of this world. (Acts 2:36-38) In fact, Apostle Paul is clear on this point, when he said:
"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Jesus Christ, neither circumcision avails any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which works by love. Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion comes not of Him that calls you.
[Still,] a little leaven leavens the whole lump. I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubles you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be. And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? Then is the offence of the cross ceased. I would they were even cut off which trouble you." (Galatians 5:1-12)
So, when we attempt to do the whole law, we make Christ of none effect because we stand on our own right/righteousness and works, rather than relying on the Lord of hosts. There is more to this point but I want to say this. According to the New Testament, the law was intended to be a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ.
"Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster [to bring us] unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith." (Galatians 3:24) Therefore, before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterward be revealed but after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster because we have been called unto liberty. (Galatians 3:23-25)
Does this mean we can do what we like? Apostle Paul takes the time to offer clarity herein as well. That is, we are not to use “liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."
But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. This I say then, "Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” (Galatians 5:1-26)
Enter into His peace and love and kindness and mercy today. Take hold of the joy that bubbles up until our hearts overflow. And in the day, become like Jesus preaching good tidings unto the meek, binding up the broken-hearted, opening the prisons of those who are bound, and proclaiming liberty to the captives.
Most of all, stand in the offering plate wherein you have been called -- to become a world changer for the Lord Jesus -- the Great Shepherd, who willingly laid down His life for His sheep!
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