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Part 4 of 7

The Written Law’s Connection to Sin?

Romans 8:2 For the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus HATH MADE ME FREE from the Law of sin and death.

In order to understand the working of “the Law” we must understand the Law’s relationship to Sin; that is to the “Sin nature.” Sins of course are simply the acts prompted by the Sin nature that indwells the body of flesh of all men; both the lost and the born-again child of God (Rom 7:17-23).

But I see another law IN MY (BODY) MEMBERS, warring against the Law of my mind (the knowledge of good and evil), and bringing me into captivity to the Law (operation) of SIN WHICH IS IN MY MEMBERS. (Romans 7:23)

Paul writes to the Roman believers saying; “the Law” was given so the Sin nature in man would become fully active, stirred up, to be “exceedingly Sinful” (Rom 7:13). Romans 5:20 …”the Law” entered, (so) that the offense (sin) might abound.

Why would God use “the Law” to stir up the Sin nature in man? The Lord uses “The Law” to stir up sin so men would thereby SEE their failure and utter inability to be genuinely righteous. This is simply due to their hopeless fallen Sin-laden condition, as being the son’s of Adam. God’s intent is that men would realize their need of Christ’s life and righteous nature in place of their fallen Adamic life and nature.

But how can “the Law” stir up the Sin nature in a man’s flesh? There is nothing wrong with “the Law”; it simply describes God’s innate righteousness. Yet, we can see from Paul’s words that “Sin” derives its “strength” (power) from “the Law.” 1 Cor. 15:56 … the strength (dunamis, power) of sin is “the Law.” How many of us have told our children “don’t do this or that,” then only to see that they almost had to do it. This is because external laws against the forbidden excite or stir the Sin-nature.

Paul says SIN in the flesh … is actually EMPOWERED by “the Law” (commandment).” Paul emphasizes this truth in these Romans chapter 7 verses below. Note the consistent repeated linkage between “Sin” and “the commandment” or Law.

Romans 7:5 For when we were in the flesh, THE MOTIONS OF SINS, WHICH WERE BY “THE LAW”, DID WORK IN OUR MEMBERS to BRING FORTH FRUIT UNTO DEATH.

Romans 7:7-9 What shall we say then? Is “the Law” sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by “the Law”: for I had not known lust, except “the Law” had said, Thou shalt not covet. 8But SIN, TAKING OCCASION BY THE COMMANDMENT, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without “the Law” sin was dead. For I was alive without “the Law” once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.

Romans 7:11 For SIN, TAKING OCCASION BY THE COMMANDMENT, deceived me, and by it slew me.

Romans 7:13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, (so) that it might appear (plaino, be seen) sin, working (katergazomai, accomplish) death in me by that which is good; (so) that SIN BY THE COMMANDMENT might BECOME EXCEEDING SINFUL.

I think it important to clearly define the word “dispensation” so we can better see the contrast between “The Law” and “Grace” dispensations, in relational terms.  Until and unless we see our dispensational relationship with the Lord today, we can never realize our freedom from Sin’s penalty, Sin’s power, and ultimately the very presence of Sin in our flesh.

The word “dispensation,” as in “the dispensation of the grace of God” (Eph 3:2), is transliterated from the Greek as “oi-kono-mia,” a word in which you may be able to see the word “economy” as you sound it out phonetically. It means “the administration of a household economy” (Strong’s #3692); the dispensation is the basis of our family relationship with God. God’s economy for us today is based upon His pure “grace” toward us.

The “economy” under which we live today is called “the dispensation of the grace of God.” This “economy” is based upon 100% grace. I call this “pure grace.” By “pure grace” I mean it is a relationship that is totally apart from “law-keeping” or any “works requirement” for our salvation or to be kept saved.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is THE GIFT OF GOD: 9 NOT OF WORKS, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

            “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: (Colossians 2:6)

From these verses we see that we are saved and conduct our walk in the very same way of pure grace through faith alone. When one serves ANY outer written law as the basis “for salvation,” or as a supposed basis “for better standing or favor with God,” those “works” are what Paul calls “dead works” (Heb 6:1). They are dead in that they bear no fruit and have no reward.

The Galatians received the grace gospel and then were swayed by the religious law-keeping spies from Jerusalem , to go back under to “the Law.” Galatians 3:1-3 (AMP) O YOU poor and silly and thoughtless and unreflecting and senseless Galatians! Who has fascinated or bewitched or cast a spell over you, unto whom—right before your very eyes—Jesus Christ (the Messiah) was openly and graphically set forth and portrayed as crucified? 2 Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the [Holy] Spirit as the result of obeying the Law and doing its works, or was it by hearing [the message of the Gospel] and believing [it]? [Was it from observing a law of rituals or from a message of faith?] 3 Are you so foolish and so senseless and so silly? Having begun [your new life spiritually] with the [Holy] Spirit, are you now reaching perfection [by dependence] on the flesh?

When believers are initially saved by grace and then “go back” to serving “the Law,” thinking they can better please God, they are operating independent from the Christ who lives within them, missing out on the blessings of His grace. They are operating separate from the indwelling Christ. Christians are not to live apart from reliance upon God’s grace and Christ’s life “within,” to regulate them from within by their innermost sense of His indwelling life. Paul says Christ becomes “of no effect” if we as believers attempt to live righteously by the outer (written) Law. This is a “fall from grace.”

Galatians 5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you (you are severed from Christ), whosoever of (think) you are justified by “the Law”; ye are fallen from grace.

Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then is it NO MORE (0%) OF WORKS: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

Sadly, many believers still try to live by the laws or precepts of the Old Testament, and of man’s religion, and also the laws of their parents that may still echo in their minds, condemning them. The truth is that all believers now are free from all external law.

We now serve Christ alone as our hearts are turned from Moses (the Law) to the Lord alone. 2 Corinthians 3:15-17 But even unto this day, when Moses (the law) is read, the vail is upon their heart. 16 Nevertheless when it (the heart) shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. 17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and WHERE THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS, THERE IS LIBERTY (FREEDOM FROM MOSES LAW).