The Problem with the Law

Suppose a guy wants to buy a car. He goes to the dealership, chooses the car he wants and fills out the paperwork. Because he requires finance to purchase the car, he enters into a contract (covenant) with a finance house to loan him the money provided he follows the terms and conditions. He agrees and signs. Once approved, the dealership gives him the keys to the new car and he drives off. Now, let me ask you: Does the finance house care if the guy cheats on his wife? Do they car if he lies to his boss? No and No. They'll continue to honor their part of the contract because the guys morality was never part of the contract. His part of the contract is to pay a monthly installment.

The reason why many Christians are like sailors on a boat without an oar is because they lack the understanding about covenants. There is a clear misunderstanding of the terms and conditions of the covenant that they're under. They are living under a mixture of covenants and they wonder why they cannot discern what the Bible is saying, whether it's for them or not. And this is the problem with the Law, namely the Law of Moses. Many Christians still think they have an obligation to live by the law of Moses and to obey the law of Moses in order to live for God and to please Him.

The law in itself is perfect and right. It came from God. But it was meant for a covenant that has been fulfilled in Christ. It was the terms and conditions of the Mosaic Law. It has no place in the terms and conditions of the New Covenant which Jesus instituted and came into effect at Calvary.

Jesus said that he had come to fulfill the law, not destroy it. Fulfill means to complete. Once He had done it, the terms of that covenant had been met and completed. And Jesus has taken humanity back to the covenant originally instituted with Abraham, the covenant of faith.

Paul went as far to say that once a person believes and is born again, they have died to sin and to the law. He calls the law the ministry of death. It's purpose was to point the way to Christ. It's for unbelievers. It's there to show sinners their total inadequacy to obey God and live a righteous life. Its purpose is to show people their need for Jesus and his forgiveness.

Once faith has come and the sinner becomes a saint, the law becomes obsolete for that person. They no longer need a set of rules to live by. Saints have been given the Holy Spirit, God himself, to lead them and guide them in the ways of holiness and righteousness. That very grace teaches saints to say no to ungodliness and trains them in righteousness.