Know Ye Not That The Spirit Of God Dwells In You? And Ye Are Christ's! - Part 2765

"Wherefore, my brethren, we also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ ..." (Romans 7:4)

"For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh ..." (Romans 8:3)

"But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit and not in the newness of the letter." (Romans 7:6)

Throughout the new testament, apostle Paul continually laid the foundation -- the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. In fact, Paul desired that we that believe would become spiritually minded (life and peace) rather than carnally minded (death). (Romans 8:6) In this same message, Paul reminds us that we are saved by grace through faith, which meant we are no longer enslaved under the law. 

"Wherefore then serve the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made, and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator." (Galatians 3:19)

Even then, within the early church Paul had to state that the law was a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ. Even then, Paul had to confront the apostle Peter, for compelling the Gentiles to live as do the Jews. (Galatians 2:11-12; Acts 10:28) And as we see, Paul did so, knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ.

Therefore, we who believe in Jesus Christ are similarly justified by the faith of Christ. "Not by the works of the law for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified." (Galatians 2:16; Psalm 143:2; Philippians 3:9) 

Paul was also quick to remind us that we are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so that His Spirit dwells within our hearts. (Romans 6:9) 

Paul even goes so far to ask, "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" (I Corinthians 3:16) And in another place, "Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's." (I Corinthians 6:19-20)

You see, the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed to Paul, who received his understanding by revelation. "For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." (Galatians 1:12)

But this same apostle warns us (as did the Lord Jesus when he walked on this earth) about those who would come in and try to preach another gospel, putting us back under the law. Herein, it is important to remember that faith came before the law. Galatians 3 expands on this them, when Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.

"And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, "In thee shall all the nations be blessed. So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham." (Galatians 3:8-9)

Thus, as Paul reiterates, "no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident for, the just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith, but the man that does them shall live in them. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being, made a curse for us; for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree ... that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." (Galatians 3:11-14)

Note then the covenant has been established when the Lord pitched the tent in the new testament, and if it be confirmed, no man can either disannul or add therein. For a testament is of force after men are dead; otherwise, it is of no strength at all while the testator lives. (Hebrews 9:17) 

Therefore, as Paul so clearly stated to the saints in Corinth, "According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another builds thereon." (I Corinthians 3:10) 

But remember in building, the foundation -- which is based on the Rock which is Jesus (both Lord and Christ - Acts 2:36-41) does not change. So when we obtain the boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh, and having a high priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water, let us hold fast the profession of our faith, without wavering -- knowing that He is faithful that promised. (Hebrews 10:19-23)

Indeed, Christ hath redeemed us from the law.  Stand in the offering plate.