Free to embrace sanctification...
The Apostle Paul said, "For freedom Christ has set us
free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."
(Galatians 5:1 ESV)
About this verse, the ESV Study Bible says, "Christ has
set us free from Jewish ceremonial laws and regulations (see note on Galatians
2:11–12) but not from obedience to God’s moral standards (see Galatians
5:14–6:1)."
That's an important distinction!
You see, we can't be saved by the Law, but it's not because
the Law is bad. We can't be saved by the Law because our sin nature so corrupts
us that we can not do right or think right about everything all the time; we
are so broken that we can't be perfect.
However, none of this negates the goodness of the Law. The
Law is not bad because we are bad!
Think about what Jesus said: "Don’t misunderstand why I
have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the
prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. I tell you the truth, until
heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will
disappear until its purpose is achieved. So if you ignore the least commandment
and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of
Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great
in the Kingdom of Heaven." (Matthew 5:17-19 NLT)
See it? We can't "ignore" the Law. Plus, the Law
IS good! It teaches us the holy character of God and it shows us the morality
that we should embrace as we seek to grow in our love of God and care for
others.
What is my point? Embrace the Law! Study the Law; meditate
on it day and night. Seek the person of God in the Law. Seek to understand who
He is and how He calls us to live. Consider the "why" of the Law /
laws. Consider "what" God reveals about Himself and what He is
teaching us about ourselves and the challenges life presents.
When Paul tells the Galatians they are free from thinking
their salvation depends on their ability to keep the Law, He is also telling
them they are free to enjoy and walk in the grace of God AND free to pursue the
holiness of God.
We are free to embrace God's holiness, and free to pursue
His character. We are free to grow!
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