LAW AND GRACE
The Life in Christ is rooted in grace. Grace as a way of life is completely different from the norm in our culture. Our culture is steeped in Performance Based Acceptance which is rooted in a legalistic approach to life.
Legalism sets a standard for excellence but offers no help to achieve that standard – only condemnation when you do not achieve it.
Grace also sets a standard of excellence – “But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48 NLT) But, unlike legalism, grace helps you achieve that goal – “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” (Philippians 2:13 NLT) – And grace does not condemn when you fall short of the goal -- “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1-2 NLT)
Martin Luther wrote “Either sin is with you, lying on your shoulders, or it is lying on Christ, the Lamb of God. Now if it is lying on your back, you are lost; but if it is resting on Christ, you are free, and you will be saved. Now choose what you want. “
The Life in Christ is rooted in grace. Grace as a way of life is completely different from the norm in our culture. Our culture is steeped in Performance Based Acceptance which is rooted in a legalistic approach to life.
Legalism sets a standard for excellence but offers no help to achieve that standard – only condemnation when you do not achieve it.
Grace also sets a standard of excellence – “But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48 NLT) But, unlike legalism, grace helps you achieve that goal – “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” (Philippians 2:13 NLT) – And grace does not condemn when you fall short of the goal -- “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1-2 NLT)
Martin Luther wrote “Either sin is with you, lying on your shoulders, or it is lying on Christ, the Lamb of God. Now if it is lying on your back, you are lost; but if it is resting on Christ, you are free, and you will be saved. Now choose what you want. “
Here are the differences between law and grace to help you choose whether you want to be free in Christ.
Law says do
Grace says done
Law emphasizes what man does
Grace emphasizes what God does
Law lives out of the flesh life (self Life)
Grace lives out of the Spirit (Christ Life)
Law draws on man's resources
Grace draws on God's resources
Law deals with externals: rules; standards; regulations
Grace deals with inner - heart attitude
Law's primary focus is: Ought to's; should've; have to; must
Grace's primary focus is on want to's
Law creates bondage, duty, and obligation
Grace creates freedom
Law lives from the outside in
Grace lives from the inside out
Law declares do in order to be
Grace declares you are, therefore do
Law produces guilt, condemnation
Grace produces acceptance, security
Law leads to defeat
Grace leads to Victory!
Selah,
Alex
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