At first glance it does seem that law and grace are opposed. Even the Bible seems to be divided into two sections the Old Testament (law) and New Testament (grace).
The Old Testament and especially the first five books are all about law. How God expects righteousness from everyone. In fact God gives man the Ten Commandments in this section of the Bible. Surely this means that God expects man to live up to the Ten Commandments in an effort to please Him. Right?
Well if you take the Bible as a whole you begin to understand that the Ten Commandments were never given as a way to please God. God knows us, and our limits. They were given as a way to show us how far short we fall, a measuring stick to show us just how much we need Him.
Sound a little hopeless? It is hopeless to think that we can keep the Ten Commandments. Jesus showed us that in his teachings. "If a man hates it is the same as murder in the sight of God." Think about that. If you want to live under the Law then a white lie has the same penalty as murder!
It is pretty obvious that it is mans pride that makes him think he can keep the Law!
Forget about "It means strive for perfection" try that in a court of law. Smile!
Galatians 2:21
"I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"
The good news is that the law makes us realize just how much we really need God! It is the righteousness of God's Son that makes us acceptable in God's sight, not anything we have done.
Ephesians 2:8
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and not of yourselves, it is the gift of God."
Because of that, we can concentrate on doing what God put us here on Earth for, instead of being under the burden of striving for something just out of reach!
God loves his creation and wants us to be free and productive for Him. We do not need to worry about genes, heredity, sexuality, or environment.
Just relax in Him and learn who we are in God and He will show us what is best for us!
Chris Hampton
Alpha Life Fellowship
http://www.alpha-links.com
"But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and... Read More
A year ago, a beautiful woman came to see me.... Read More
Attachment... Bondage... Moha... state as we may but the meaning... Read More
Good morning beloved,I always feel a need to let people... Read More
Today I was in rather a whimsical mood, and so... Read More
On one side there is a dark cloud. It is... Read More
As humans, we are the species that operate with symbols.... Read More
A Tarot card deck typically consists of 78 colorful cards... Read More
Spiritual health is generally an overlooked aspect of healing. However,... Read More
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances,... Read More
"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the... Read More
Sundered Knight:Although the world, Denies the weak aid and justice,... Read More
When I first heard Donnie McClurkin's song, "We Fall Down... Read More
Most Tarot decks consist of 78 cards: 22 Major Arcana,... Read More
The Kundalini is a pool of energy that lies dormant... Read More
It is so obvious that God works and thinks on... Read More
While there are alot of warnings and admonishments regarding what... Read More
No one appreciates mothers enough. In this life, that's a... Read More
I love rivers. I have for many years lived away... Read More
Water of Enlightenment, Angel of Peace and Harmony for Nature... Read More
Spiritual healing of the sick in Christ has many Christians... Read More
For me, the best poetry stirs my soul; it awakens... Read More
Listen to the sound of silence. Enjoy the peace and... Read More
There is an old tradition song called, The Lighthouse and... Read More
Enlightenment can come in an instant or it may take... Read More
licensed cleaning services Lake Forest ..It would be nice if the planet - like so... Read More
Count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in... Read More
Some people think just by saying the words thank you... Read More
A Nathan type prophet sees with his eyes. A Samuel... Read More
Is it really possible that Don Juan could command the... Read More
As humans, we are the species that operate with symbols.... Read More
I can truly say to this day of August, 2005,... Read More
Let's say that you have discovered your purpose but you... Read More
When the Tsunami struck Asia and East Africa on December... Read More
Attachment... Bondage... Moha... state as we may but the meaning... Read More
One of the saddest times in any child's life is... Read More
One night, whilst watching TV, I understood a very useful... Read More
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in... Read More
How did an artist accidently learn healing visualizations and improve... Read More
We hear this word so often and have one thing... Read More
In Corrogue, Celtic mythology helps me live a wonderful life.As... Read More
Do you have a dream, but are waiting for "just... Read More
Every month I usually sit down and write an article... Read More
Do you have a servant's heart? Has God blessed you... Read More
God, what a wonderful spirit. He, is our ever present... Read More
In part one, I described an existence that is absolute,... Read More
Each time our children graduate from one stage to another... Read More
One of the first things you will find that God... Read More
Whadda ya know?Seriously. With absolute certainty, what do you know?... Read More
In the interest of mankind the Angels are delivering messages... Read More
Spirituality |