Late Theology Tuesday: LAW
So, last week, I didn’t release a Theology Tuesday because I was processing this thought.
Why?
1. This is a thought that could revolutionize your personal faith.
2. This is a statement that could turn into a heated debate.
3. Jesus brother, James, says that teachers are held to a higher standard and will be judged accordingly. So, I didn’t want to screw up.
However, after much deliberation, I have decided to say it…
God’s Law is a tool…My first statement was going to be: God’s Law is amoral. But it’s harder to argue that because in it we find morality. Instead, I can accomplish the same thing by saying, “God’s law is a tool.”
Let me explain…God’s Law:
1. Defines morality.
2. Sets a standard.
3. Reveals God’s heart.
4. Reveals our sin.
5. Gives us direction.
In other words, God’s Law has a purpose. The problem is: The Apostle Paul says to the Christians in Rome that SIN can use the Law. In fact, he says that the Law is what gives sin it’s power. Do you see it? The Law can be used. The Law was not created to be used by sin, but sin (itself) benefits from the existence of the Law.
Now, what Paul teaches is that sin seizes an opportunity that exists because of the Law. Not that sin seizes the Law, but if the law did not exist, the opportunity wouldn’t exist. But since the Law gives that opportunity to sin, sin seizes it and uses the law to condemn us.
So what does that mean? Should we abandon the Law? Does that mean that the Law’s purpose cannot be fulfilled? Not at all. It just means that we need to understand our relationship to the Law. Paul Smith (Lead Pastor at RCC) did an incredible message on our relationship to the Law and you can watch it here.
See the Law has a purpose. It was given to us by God for a reason. And as it accomplishes that reason, God uses it to realize his grace through Christ, grow us in our faith, and prepare us for the mission to which He has called us.
So here’s my question? Who are you letting use the Law in your life. Are you allowing sin to condemn you? Or are you allowing God to grow you?
