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GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD
Encountering an extraordinary God in ordinary life
Issue # 297 October 20, 2001
The Law
Some years back, there was a futuristic movie out called Judge Dredd, based on the comic book series of the same name. I don’t recommend it; it’s not a particularly Christian movie in theme or content. It revolves around a society where the police are both judge and executioner. The line that sticks in the back of my brain is from at one point when the hero(?) Judge Dredd simply informs a villain "I am the law!"
Christians struggle with the concept of the law, and many sit in one of two camps.
The first camp is the legalists. They add rules and regulations to the doctrine of salvation by grace alone and in doing so trivialize the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. They need to learn about the value of grace.
While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and `sinners'?" On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: `I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Matthew 9:10-13 NIV
The other camp proclaims everything is okay, there are no rules. Party hearty, do what feels good and God will let you off the hook. They are correct in that sins are forgiven, but when you look at the holy nature of God, to accept His grace and knowingly indulge in flagrant immorality is the grossest of insults. This group needs to learn about self-control and discipline.
While our salvation is based on grace alone, there is still a place for observance of Christ’s moral law
"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Matthew 5:17-18 NIV
If you really understand the nature of God’s grace, you will know how much you have been forgiven and will strive to offer the same to others. If you truly understand His holy nature, you will strive to live a holy lifestyle.
Will you do so perfectly? Of course not, but there is much to be gained in the attempt.
The sacrifice of Jesus gives us liberty, not liberality or legalism.
Until next time, may you be free from the bondage of excessive legalism and the snare of flagrant disobedience and sin.
God bless.
Kevin
Perhaps you have been turned away from the concept of Jesus by encountering one of these types of Christian. Give it another look, but look to the Word of God and the teachings of Jesus, not to the failed efforts of people to live it.
Email me and I’ll share a few Bible verses that talk about why a relationship with Jesus is important and a prayer that will make it possible.
Don’t miss out on the most important relationship of your life simply because of someone else’s mistakes.
To share your thoughts on this issue of Gleanings, or to share prayer concerns email us at corbin_writer@hotmail.com. At Gleanings, we have a dedicated team of prayer warriors and all prayer concerns are kept strictly confidential.
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© 2001 K.F. "Kevin" Corbin
All Rights Reserved
To share your thoughts on this issue of Gleanings, or to share prayer concerns email us at corbin_writer@hotmail.com. At Gleanings, we have a dedicated team of prayer warriors and all prayer concerns are kept strictly confidential.
If you enjoyed this issue of Gleanings From The Word, email it, in its entirety, to a friend. For information on use of Gleanings in your church newsletter or other situations please visit the permissions page on our website http://gleanings.jesusanswers.com
© 2001 K.F. "Kevin" Corbin
All Rights Reserved