What shall we say then? Is the Law sin? GOD forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the Law: for I had not known lust, except the Law had said, Thou shalt not covet. But sin, taking occasion by the Commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the Law sin was dead. For I was alive without the Law once: but when the Commandment came, sin revived, and I died. And the Commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. For sin, taking occasion by the Commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. Wherefore the Law is holy, and the Commandment holy, and just, and good. (Rom 7:7-12)
Our position in Christ is not a license to sIn, for sIn is still an affront to our Holy and Righteous GOD that has the right to require obedience from His people. The Law may be fulfilled, but the moral principles delineated by the Decalogue spell out our relationship with GOD and with each other. We who are in Christ, are at Liberty to be obedient, not because we have to, but because of Christ. His love shed abroad in our hearts means we love the brethren. His Spirit within us, if we don't quench or grieve Him, gives us a love of those who don't yet know Him, just as He does. We are broken for the things that brake GOD's heart, and share His love because He first loved us.
Those without are under the Law, or are a law unto themselves, having done the things of the Law, and are already guilty before GOD of breaking the Law. The righteous Judge has already cast judgment on all and condemned those who do not surrender to Him on His terms to separation from Him for all eternity, not because He wants to, but because He is Holy and Just, and must punish sIn. He loves us so much that He paid that sIn penalty in our place, that those who repent and believe receive forgiveness and GOD's wrath is satisfied in that our sIn was placed on Jesus on that cruel Roman cross.
And since Jesus didn't stay dead, but ever lives to intercede for His saints, we are empowered by His Spirit within us, to tell the Good News to all who will hear. We minister to the hurting and in need, bearing one another's burdens. We love one another, and minister through His Word to disciple one another and grow in grace. As we go with the Gospel of Jesus Christ to everyone, we share His mercy, love, and grace to all who will hear and believe that in believing they might have life in His Name.
For GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to trust Him and what He has already done for you to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD with forgiveness and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet