Two Approaches to Change - Law vs. Grace
A logical next question for anyone that truly understands God’s sufficient payment for all of their sins is often, “Does that mean it’s okay to sin, or that it doesn’t matter?” If there is not a law with the threat of punishment over you, does that mean sin is okay? God forbid! (Rom 6:15-16)
While the sin was already paid for and judged by Christ’s cross, sin still reaps death in our lives. Sin corrupts our hearts and minds: it decays us spiritually. It hinders our ability to minister to others and live a life abounding in Christ’s love which is the only thing that truly fulfills us. (Eph 4:32, Col 2:13-14).
Many religious leaders and people, focused on the mere outward appearance, use legalism to manipulate behavior. That mentality and approach produce condemnation and abundant guilt, ultimately leading to two outcomes: hypocritical, self-righteous Pharisees or jaded individuals who want nothing to do with God.
Righteousness is important, but how we get there is the crux of the issue because you can’t do it yourself. True transformation that brings forth righteous fruit starts with inward change, the renewal of our hearts and minds which only happens by God’s grace (Gal 5:1-4, 13-26, Eph 5:1-2).
The law and legalism can only produce compliance to a rule out of fear or self-righteousness.
Grace produces a selfless, loving commitment to Christ because He first loved us.
Serving God in love, humility, sincerity, truth, and newness of spirit is the goal and is what God’s grace produces. Serving in the oldness of the letter by the law attempts to put yourself under a curse of sin that Christ freed you from (Rom 7:6, Acts 20:19, 1Co 5:8, 2Co 1:12).
To overcome sin in our lives, we don’t need more rules. We need to increase our faith in God’s words about the seriousness of our sin and the joy and benefit of life in Christ.
When we realize the depth of our undeserving and sinful nature, our appreciation for Christ’s sacrifice and abundant grace toward us increases. This love of Christ and all that He’s done for us convicts us to respond to God in obedience from a changed heart and mind. It’s only from this posture of humility and the recognition of our own weakness that Christ’s strength can be magnified (2Co 12:9-10).
The next time you find yourself sinning, don’t go back to legalism: it doesn’t work. Remember what Jesus did for you, who you are in Him, and that you’re free from the power of sin (Rom 6).
