“He has made us competent
as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives
life.” 2 Corinthians 3:6
The letter - The written law by
itself, which demands perfect obedience but gives no power to obey.1
The Spirit - This is new life in Christ. In it the Holy Spirit
writes God’s law on our hearts (Jer. 31:31–34; Heb. 8:8–12; 9:13, 14), giving
love for God’s moral standards and power to obey them (Rom. 8:4; 1 Cor. 7:19).2
The law of Moses, handed down to the
Israelites by God Himself, was restrictive.
It was meant to shine a light on the sinfulness of man. Since Christ has come we are no longer bound
by Old Testament law, but rather by a law of love. As the study bible notes reveal above, the
law demanded perfection from those attempting to follow it. No power was provided to obey God’s
decrees.
The law of the Spirit is one of mercy
and grace, forgiveness and love. The
Holy Spirit enters into the redeemed individual at the time of their conversion. It is He that provides the power to overcome
temptation and live a life pleasing to God.
Far too many believers simply go
through the motions rather than tap into God’s wellspring of spiritual
power. It’s a discipline, just like
maintaining good physical condition. It
is said that working out a different area of your body each day is the best way
to maintain physical fitness. Working
your upper body on odd days and lower body on even days gives one total fitness.
It’s no different with your spirit man.
Living for Christ by the power of the
Holy Spirit is what is expected of a bonafide Christian. Your genuineness will show through your
willing obedience to God’s moral standards.
Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!
1 & 2 - The Reformation Study
Bible; P
& R Publishing Company; 2008.
