Take You To School
Romans 2:12-f.f.
The law is a necessity in having an eternal home in heaven. Verses 12 and 13 tell us that those who die without the law still die, and the law will judge those who have the law. It is not the law that gives us life but rather obedience to the law. Verses 14-16 go on to say that the law of God is written on the hearts of man. Everyone has a conscience and are therefore without excuse before a perfect and holy God and it is He who will judge us all personally in the end according to His standard.
Paul then tells us that our lives should line up with what we are teaching verses 17-24. When our lives are contrary to what we speak, we dishonor God and give the world opportunity to blaspheme Him. How dare us? He ends the chapter by discussing the difference between circumcision of the body and circumcision of the heart. God can see our hearts and wants our hearts to be pure, which can only happen through a continual cleansing of His Spirit and Word. Our relationship with God is based on an obedient heart that is derived from our belief in action. So, where is your heart?
With that said, the law has many functions. First, Hebrews 10:1 tells us that it foreshadows good things to come. We have the law to teach us that a Savior is coming and that He is holy and righteous. Secondly, the law condemns us all according to Galatians 3:16-19. No one has kept the law and therefore we are all guilty of the breaking the law and deserve to spend eternity in Hell. I am glad the law does not stop there because it also brings us to Christ. When we see that we are guilty of breaking God’s law, we see that we need a Savior. We need one who can take the whole wrath of God and pay for our sins. This Savior is in the person of Christ and Christ alone.
Matthew 5 tells us that Christ came not to destroy the law but to fulfill the law. According to James 2:10, Matthew 5:28 and I John 3:15 we learn that Christ fulfills the law in that He brings the full impact of the law to us. It is no longer a set of rules that we can try to follow on the outside, but is based upon our heart’s motives. Ephesians 2:11-15 tells us that He also brings full reconciliation to all who call upon Him.
So, let me leave you with a question, “should we still keep the law today?” According to James 1:25 and Romans 2:28, 29, yes. The law keeps order and keeping it pleases our God. The choice is ours, so, let’s serve our King with pure hearts.