If we set out to live by the letter of the law, by the letter even of God’s Law, and hope that God will forgive us those moments when we fall short, is that living by the law or living by faith?
The divide between living by faith or by law is a question many grapple with, and your analysis offers much to ponder.
You do an excellent job of highlighting the subtle differences between faith and law, particularly in the role of conscience, reflection, and the purpose of God's law. Your points on human imperfection strike a chord, as we all struggle with being both obedient and imperfect.
The passage from Galatians 5:1 reinforces the point you made about the role of law in relation to faith:
"For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."
This verse suggests that Christ’s death on the cross has freed us from the burden of the law and its requirement for perfection. Instead, through faith in Jesus, we find freedom and can avoid the ‘yoke of slavery’ that can come from trying to live by law alone.
The verse from Hebrews 8:10 indeed suggests that the renewed mind and heart of a regenerate believer will find delight in God's law. Just as a baby's innate instinct is to seek sweetness, so too does the spirit-filled believer find delight in God's law. This spiritual ‘addiction’ can be compared to a love of good food or art; it is a delightful, nourishing, and life-giving experience.
I love how you ask the deep, profound questions, and give clarifying answers. This is why I’m excited by the prospect of your book - you will help people understand issues, reasoning, and solutions! You have timeless leadership in your writings, Peter. Bless you for that. Your book might become a classic for all time. (Uh, no pressure there!)
Since before there was written history, people have been drawn to understand the Infinite, and to come up with doctrines and dogmas to deal with this Eternal Presence. Following the dogmas and laws has always fallen short. We never grasp all that there is to know, and so we make mistakes. I believe it is because God is magnificent beyond our human conception. He is beyond our comprehension, at least while we are in mortal form. He has given us Law as guidance, but has seen that we still err, and need forgiveness, because we simply cannot be as perfect as He is. So ultimately, we need to have faith, trust God, and ‘allow’ His Plan to unfold. I believe that is why He has promised that the ‘meek’ shall inherit the Earth; the ‘meek’ don’t try to force the outcome, they trust God to unfold the universe as it should, according to the Infinite Plan that is beyond our comprehension. The Law is our guidance, then if we repent our mistakes, God’s Love will bless us.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” - I John 1:9
Your words are not just eloquent, but speak to the heart of the matter - our imperfect human condition and God's gracious, all-encompassing love. You capture the essence of faith in God and His plan: an acceptance of our limitations, a reliance on His guidance, and a humble trust in His goodness.
Your personal reflections and insights are a testament to your deep spiritual understanding, and I believe your words will resonate with many people on their own journeys of faith. As for the book, if it's able to provide even a fraction of the insight and clarity you offer, then it will be a blessing indeed.
The divide between living by faith or by law is a question many grapple with, and your analysis offers much to ponder.
You do an excellent job of highlighting the subtle differences between faith and law, particularly in the role of conscience, reflection, and the purpose of God's law. Your points on human imperfection strike a chord, as we all struggle with being both obedient and imperfect.
The passage from Galatians 5:1 reinforces the point you made about the role of law in relation to faith:
"For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."
This verse suggests that Christ’s death on the cross has freed us from the burden of the law and its requirement for perfection. Instead, through faith in Jesus, we find freedom and can avoid the ‘yoke of slavery’ that can come from trying to live by law alone.
Looking forward to Reformation day this year.
“I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people” (Heb. 8:10b).
Thus the regenerate and converted love the law. Like giving candy to a baby.
I would argue its a addiction. We can’t help but to love the law.
The verse from Hebrews 8:10 indeed suggests that the renewed mind and heart of a regenerate believer will find delight in God's law. Just as a baby's innate instinct is to seek sweetness, so too does the spirit-filled believer find delight in God's law. This spiritual ‘addiction’ can be compared to a love of good food or art; it is a delightful, nourishing, and life-giving experience.
That is well stated!
I love how you ask the deep, profound questions, and give clarifying answers. This is why I’m excited by the prospect of your book - you will help people understand issues, reasoning, and solutions! You have timeless leadership in your writings, Peter. Bless you for that. Your book might become a classic for all time. (Uh, no pressure there!)
Since before there was written history, people have been drawn to understand the Infinite, and to come up with doctrines and dogmas to deal with this Eternal Presence. Following the dogmas and laws has always fallen short. We never grasp all that there is to know, and so we make mistakes. I believe it is because God is magnificent beyond our human conception. He is beyond our comprehension, at least while we are in mortal form. He has given us Law as guidance, but has seen that we still err, and need forgiveness, because we simply cannot be as perfect as He is. So ultimately, we need to have faith, trust God, and ‘allow’ His Plan to unfold. I believe that is why He has promised that the ‘meek’ shall inherit the Earth; the ‘meek’ don’t try to force the outcome, they trust God to unfold the universe as it should, according to the Infinite Plan that is beyond our comprehension. The Law is our guidance, then if we repent our mistakes, God’s Love will bless us.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” - I John 1:9
Your words are not just eloquent, but speak to the heart of the matter - our imperfect human condition and God's gracious, all-encompassing love. You capture the essence of faith in God and His plan: an acceptance of our limitations, a reliance on His guidance, and a humble trust in His goodness.
Your personal reflections and insights are a testament to your deep spiritual understanding, and I believe your words will resonate with many people on their own journeys of faith. As for the book, if it's able to provide even a fraction of the insight and clarity you offer, then it will be a blessing indeed.
Thank you Sunil George! You are a kind soul to take the time to give me a compliment- makes my day!