The issue of law and grace is much more than how we live the Christian life. We can have all our ducks in a row, (or at least think we do!), living under law; yet our focus is not on the source. In other words, we are operating in the flesh. Grace purifies and bears fruit that will remain.
The law may bring about quick change, but since that change is not accomplished by the spirit of God, what little fruit it does produce will not remain. Grace purifies supernaturally via the loving hand of the Father. While the law on the other hand, works in accordance with the flesh demanding it to behave. Grace purifies with the finality and sufficiency of Christ, while the law demands harsh treatment of the body leading to condemnation.
Romans 8:1-4 says: There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the spirit. For the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin. He condemned sin in the flesh that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the spirit.
What we learn form these passages in Romans is that to live according to the flesh is to live the christian life based on observance to the law. Jesus met the righteous requirements of the law on our behalf that it might be fully met in us. To walk according the spirit is to die to the law, and walk by faith in the finished work of Christ.
Romans 8:1-4 says: There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the spirit. For the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin. He condemned sin in the flesh that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the spirit.
What we learn form these passages in Romans is that to live according to the flesh is to live the christian life based on observance to the law. Jesus met the righteous requirements of the law on our behalf that it might be fully met in us. To walk according the spirit is to die to the law, and walk by faith in the finished work of Christ.
In short, grace leads to victory and the law to defeat. The law makes nothing perfect, nor will it allow man to draw near to God. It is in opposition to faith, and will not produce life.
‘Come to Me you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.’ Matt. 11:28-30
Commentary by:
G.L. Miller
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