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In Moses’ day, people were afraid of God, and rightly so! In Exodus 19:8 they asked Moses to bring down instructions for living from God’s mountain, and it says that all that God says, they promised to do. The 10 Commandments were among all the rules. All required strict adherence, through the power of the flesh. But flesh is weak, so although the commandments appeared to be rules to keep, they were in fact a mirror – to point out our shortcomings. And they were perfect at it.
Fast forward to Jesus’ day, a perfect time, for it was the fullness of time. For over a 1,000 years the Jewish leaders had opportunity to learn that mankind cannot obey God’s rules – that we needed a Savior. By this time Israel should have or certainly could have, been ready to receive Jesus as that Savior.
But the Pharisees and teachers of the Law placed their traditions and interpretations AHEAD of God’s Laws. They emptied the Law of its power to condemn. The Law’s perfect purpose was thwarted: sin was not being named as sin. Like clever lawyers the leaders found ways to excuse sin and promote self-righteousness.
Today we often hear a mixed message of Law and Grace. Law – just listen for the “if’s” – “if you do this, then God will do…” or, “you need to do this before God will do…” And the message is mixed with GRACE. When we hear what God has done, especially concerning Calvary, we are hearing grace. Acts 20:24 says the Gospel is the Good News of His GRACE.
We may hear that God gave us the Holy Spirit to help us keep the 10 Commandments. This is incorrect! Galatians 3:12 says, “But the Law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.”” The Law is a “to do” list. It is NOT of faith, but it is faith that pleases God. It is written, “The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:27. And, “…without faith it is impossible to please God.” Hebrews 11:6.
Here’s our point: the Holy Spirit is NOT GOING TO HELP US KEEP A SET OF RULES, for rules are NOT of Faith. It is having faith in GOD that pleases God.
There are a lot of voices out there, a lot of confusion when Law and Grace are mixed. I pray you not be confused my dear friend. Simply walk in the Spirit, live in the Spirit. Hearken to the Spirit. Find true LIFE and FREEDOM by simple faith in the Living God. Cease striving – enter His rest. It’s your day — to COME ALIVE!
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