You can’t “get right with God” [be “justified” or considered “righteous” by God] by keeping a list of rules! Apostle Paul declares that fact in both Romans and Galatians (Romans 3:20-25; Galatians 3:10-14).
The “Good News” is that freedom from that approach to trying to please God is available through faith in Christ… “For freedom Christ has set us free! Stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery!” (Galatians 5:1)!
But before you utter a big “Whoopee!” and get carried away with your new found freedom in Christ, a word of caution! Christ did not save you and free you to go back into sinful, self-centered living! Freedom in and through Christ can never be an excuse for “the flesh” [living to gratify what the old self, under the control of sin, wants to do]!
Here’s how Apostle Paul puts it in Galatians… “You were called to freedom, brothers (and sisters)! Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh! … Walk by [in keeping with] the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh!” (Galatians 5:13 & 16)
In Romans Paul puts it another way… “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus! For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death! For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit!” (Romans 8:1-4)
Listen… The HOLY Spirit is a reliable inner guide and enabler! He will not lead us back into bondage and sin – His work within our lives will prompt and produce holy living – a life that honors and pleases God! I’m so grateful for the Divine Helper – the Holy Spirit is at work within my life! I want to cooperate with His promptings and empowering presence! Don’t you? Real freedom!!!
Coffee With The Lord 