August 08, 2002
A DISPARITY THAT MUST BE FACED. The end of condemnation for our sins. A powerful and joyful knowledge that our sins are pardoned to the fullest, and we no longer have to live under the burden and guilt of sin. However, if our walk is contrary to the way of the Lord there is no release from condemnation. Freedom from sin, is extended to those who will walk after the pathway of the Spirit, and not after the way of the flesh. Rom. 8:1 As members of the body of Christ, we have come under a new regime. We now live according to < law of the Spirit of life >. Laws that are not difficult to follow when we walk in accordance with the Word of the Lord. The Spirit of Christ, in us, by nature will do that which is pleasing in His sight. When we have been set free from the law of sin and death, we no longer walk in the ways of the flesh. The church cannot be carnal and spiritual at one and the same time. There must be a choice made by those who would be members of the Body of Christ. Rom. 8:2
THE RESULTS OF THE SINFUL NATURE. The Law could not produce the righteousness it represented for it was defeated by the sinful nature of the flesh. Jesus came in the form of sinful flesh to defeat the flesh. He offered Himself as a sin offering in order to judge or condemn sin in sinful man. Rom. 8:3 His objective was the < righteousness of the Law > the righteous requirements of the Law might be completely accomplished in those who do not walk according to the flesh, but after the Spirit. Rom. 8:4 The standard of righteousness established by the Lord has never changed. The < righteousness > of the Law is still in effect. The Lord is a righteous and holy being and cannot let His cod code of purity and holiness. We are not under the Law but under grace, which is the favor, mercy and love of the Lord. Because of the grace of the Lord do we have license to violate the holiness of the Lord? < GOD FORBID >, it is impossible for those who are dead to sin, to live in and commit sin. Rom. 6:2 Sin was at one time the reigning factor in our lives. Now, by the Word of the Lord and by His Spirit, which dwells within, we are set free from sin. Where grace reigns there is righteousness and the demand of the Law for righteousness is satisfied. Let the same consecration be made to righteousness as was formerly made to unrighteousness. The unrighteous are committed to and bound by their sin. They are frequently fanatical in the pursuit of their sinful pleasures. May we make the same commitment to seek and obtain the righteousness of Christ. The life of Christ, in us, is not a theory but a fact of life, a life that is lived in the Spirit, which exemplifies the Lord Jesus. Rom. 6:19 We are to be liberated from sin and its powers, to become those who serve the Lord. Our fruit is no to be the fruit of holiness. A model of the purity and holiness found in the Life of Christ. A life that is being lived out in us. Rom. 6:22 The ultimate is eternal life for those who partake of His holiness.