I have been working on a new book—my first Christian book—for just over one year. The project has been a journey of faith, spirit, and truth. The book is about the journey of faith and about gaining and understanding of living our lives according to God’s Word—every word. Too often we pick and choose the parts of the Bible that “apply” to a particular situation. We lean toward the Old Testament (the Law) or the New Testament (Gospel of Grace).

The full Truth is found in both the law and the gospel. We have to recognize that there are rules, precepts, tenets, and commandments that we have been given. We also have been given the route to forgiveness through grace. However, we do not have the option of choosing one or the other. We will not be saved by merely obeying the law, but grace does not give us permission to ignore the law. Jesus told us that He came to fulfill the law, not abolish it.

We have both the law and the gospel to enable us to have the best life, a full life through Christ and obedience.

Matthew 5:17 (KJV 1900)

17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.

The law gives us the ability to see/know when we are straying from God’s way. The gospel lets us know that we have a path back to God. When we break God’s law, we have the ability to ask for forgiveness … and to receive it. We have the ability to experience grace, mercy, love, and a close relationship with God, the giver of the law, and of the gift of Salvation, Jesus Christ.

We have the ability, will, freedom, and choice to decide whether we will obey the law or not. Without an understanding, a grasp of how sinful, broken, and needy we are, and without the law, we cannot see our need for God. Without a standard for living, we have hardened hearts and are either immune or unaware of how wonderful life can be when it is lived for Christ.

Galatians 5:13 (KJV 1900)

13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

Are you abiding lawfully? Are you living the law and the gospel? Are you obedient and saved? For Christ came to fulfill the law and in doing so gave us the greatest gift: Life everlasting.

 

Author:  Lea A. Strickland, MBA CMA CFM CBM GMC
Copyright ©2012 Lea A. Strickland
All Rights Reserved

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