5. The law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus (Rom 8:2):
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” is simply because we are “in Christ Jesus” and “complete in Him” (Col 2:10). Because our sins have been imputed to Christ and His righteousness imputed to us, we are fully justified before God (Rom 3:21-4:8).
But there’s more to it than that — “The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” So what is this law?
“The law of the Spirit” is “life in Christ Jesus.” The moment we place our faith in Christ, the Spirit gives eternal life, the life of Christ Jesus Himself. This is an unalterable law. True faith in Christ always produces this result.
So then the one law — “the law of the Spirit of life in Christ” — makes us free from the other — “the law of sin and death.” Does this mean one divine law violates the other? No, but one supersedes the other. It is the law that sin results in death, and therefore because we have sinned, we must die. But, we have died — in Christ! (Rom 6:6). And since death could not keep Him in the grave and He came forth in resurrection life, so have we — in Him.
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me (Gal 2:20).
(to be continued)
If “faith is…a truly righteous act”, then faith is a work. But we know that faith isn't a work:
ReplyDeleteBut to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness (Rom 4:5).
And don’t forget about these verses:
He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Cor 5:21).
But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, "Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord" (1 Cor 1:30-31).
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast (Eph 2:8-9).
Hi Justme,
ReplyDeleteI don't think your approach to making faith into a 'work' makes sense. Faith isn't a work.
In Romans 4:18-22, Paul explains Abraham's faith included Hope and growing strong and persevering. That's a righteous act, but not a 'work'.
No, faith isn’t a work as Romans 4:5 clearly says. Regarding Romans 4:18-22, “hope” is the same as faith, the “wavering” is just referring to his faith again, and his “growing strong” is again talking about faith and it was something done by God. What you seem to be saying is we have to work but it isn’t work because it’s really faith. I stand by my original answer.
ReplyDelete