Are We Released From The Law? Series

Some Christians totally disregard the law, saying we have been released from it, and it is not even to be obeyed in the spirit. Where do people get that idea from?

But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter. (Romans 7:6)

If we examine that a little more closely, it actually does not throw the law out, but rather gives it a new application, in spirit. In fact, Paul wrote in a letter to the Romans praising the law.

The Law is Holy

Romans 7:14 So then, the Law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good. Therefore did that which is good become a cause of death for me? May it never be! Rather it was sin, in order that it might be shown to be sin by effecting my death through that which is good, so that through the commandment sin would become utterly sinful. For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin.

So then, the problem is not with the law, but with us. The law is so perfect, so far above us, that we find it impossible to keep. So how then can we simply toss aside such a perfect law?

Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.

By freedom, does Paul mean that the law is totally gone, or does it serve some ongoing purpose for the Christian?

Romans 8:4 so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

What does this mean, that by walking according to the Spirit, we fulfill the law? Fulfilling is a little different than tossing the law aside completely.

2 Corinthians 3:6 who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

So, Christians then keep the law in a different manner, and circumcision is our guide. We no longer need to be circumcised in the flesh, but in our hearts. What does that mean for other aspects of the law, like the Ten Commandments?

Galatians 3:2 This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?

The gift of the Holy Spirit then comes not from doing works of the law, but by faith.

Galatians 3:5 So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?

Faith is the key.

Galatians 4:29 But as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so it is now also.

Not waiting in faith for the promise of a son, the impatient flesh took over and another son, Ishmael was born by another woman. The promised son of faith, Isaac came along later. This reminds us all to be patient and wait on the Lord, rather than take matters into our own hands, the flesh.

Galatians 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.

If the law is written on our hearts, there is no longer any need for an outward constraint, because we have a heart that wants to live justly and honestly. The law was made for those who do not have the Spirit, but when we are led by the Spirit, we no longer need to be shackled by a fleshly code.

Next time, let's examine if the idea that only some parts of the law are still required, is supported in the Bible.