Equally, time after time, we are told to obey God and warned that, if we don't, we will not receive salvation. This is not because obeying the law is earning our salvation, but because it is the route those filled with the Spirit will walk on their way to heaven, just as Noah's route was to build an ark. Or, we might say that one of the signs of a true disciple is that they will love the law. David sang that the law was sweeter than honey, more precious than gold, and that keeping it would bring reward (Psalm 19). Jesus taught that "if you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love" (John 15:10). Neither Jesus nor David are legalists; both know that obedience is the path to salvation. And this law is not a burden, but a gift. It's not so much that we have to obey, as that now, filled with the Spirit of Jesus, we get to obey. Holiness is not a curse, but a reward.Holiness is not a curse, but a reward. And the law helps us realize that reward!
I was going to stop here on this topic, but I think I'm going to continue for a few more posts. The next section continues with a discussion of law and gospel, focusing on relating to God through covenant. I hope you find it worthwhile.
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