January 31, 2018 – Galatians 2:19-20

For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me. So I died to the law—I stopped trying to meet all its requirements—so that I might live for God. My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:19-20.

Since I am over eighty years old, I must take the drivers’ test every year.  Having driven for over seventy years, I was surprised about a new law to me.  I think about this law at every turn I make.  Laws constrict, but when I follow Jesus and He lives in me, I am free of man’s laws. Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin.  A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever.  So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.  John 8:34-36. 

Jesus died on the cross to set us free…from sin, and to have the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Consider these gifts particularly the last sentence. But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23.

The only way to free us from a sin-death, was for Jesus to be our sacrifice on the cross.   But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) Ephesians 2:4-5.  

I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die. Galatians 2:21.