Functions of the Law

We are under a new covenant with Jesus Christ, but it’s the Law that made us realize we needed Him to save us. It is the Law that helps us understand how to obey Him. It will not save us, that is what Jesus did for us on the cross if we accept it. Once saved we follow the Law only to know how to grow and be like Him, our greatest example of how God intended us to live.

Psalm 19:7-11 NKJV

7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul;

The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;

8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;

The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;

9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;

The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

10 More to be desired are they than gold,

Yea, than much fine gold;

Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned,

And in keeping them there is great reward.

A quote from Ray Comfort says, “The demands of a holy Law bring us to the foot of the cross and keep us there, trusting only in the grace of God.” The grace is our gift if we accept Christ. We will be forgiven and have a chance to continue on in life under new rules that really set us free from all the bondage our worldly living caused. Don’t despair if this takes time. Just like a child learning to do things, there are steps to be taken on the journey.

Ignorance of the Law is no excuse. Whether you know you broke a law or not, you are still guilty. This goes for any law made by man or by God. God wrote His Law on our hearts and our conscience will bear witness against us. There are moral standards God imprinted upon man when he made him in His image and breathed life into him. No matter what culture you talk to, there are the same ideas. Now some may not see them all the same way and some have tried to stamp out some of the Laws, but the choice is for each person to make. Have you hardened your heart to try and run from these Laws or are you letting them guide you?

Christianity really is a “guilt trip” because it takes you straight to the cross. If you go there and accept Jesus Christ as your savior, all that guilt is removed. You are made new and can start living life the way God intended. However, I would heed what J. I. Parker once said, “Simple assent to the gospel, divorced from a transforming commitment to the living Christ, is by biblical standards less then faith, and less then saving, and to elicit only assent of this kind would be to secure false conversions.”

It’s truly an all or nothing commitment, but it’s the best decision I ever made. Now I march to the tune of God’s Law because I am His child and understand it makes life better, not because it keeps me saved or gets me what I want. Which way are you marching today? I pray you accept Jesus to the fullest and learn to accept the abundant life He offers when we follow Him.