Having answered those very important questions we can now move on this week’s discussion which I repeat, deals with the question of “what is the law?”
In the previous discussion, it was highlighted that the Law of God identifies what sin is. This relates to the function of the law. This is different from what the law is, how it is defined. Actually, the function of the law described above, draws out of the nature of what the law is. The law of God can be actually seen as the will of God derived from an expression of His character. How can this be true?
| God’s Character as described by the Bible: | God’s WILL for mankind’s character as described by the Bible: |
| Loving: Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. – 1 John 4:10 | Loving: For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another – 1John 3:11 |
| Holy: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation – 1 Peter 1:15 | Holy: Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God – Leviticus 20:7 |
| Righteous: Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand – Isaiah 41:10 | Righteous: I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles – Isaiah 42:6 |
| Immutable: Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. – Hebrew 13:8 | Immutable: Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) – Hebrews 10:23 |
| Perfect: As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him. – Psalm 18:30 | Perfect: And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. – Romans 12:2 |
Now, isn’t what we read just amazing! The bible not only clearly shows what God’s character is, but that God has a desire for His creations to ALSO bear His character. How is it possible for us to have a character like God?
Answer: Abstain from sin.
All of God’s characteristics reflect Sinlessness. Thus, for us to bear such a character we too must be sinless. Friends, do you realize that God’s Law (the Ten Commandments) is a reflection of His character (Sinlessness), and that is why the Law identifies what sin is. In simple terms, sin is anything that is against or contrary to God’s Character of sinlessness. So, when the law is broken (transgressed) sin will occur. Consequently, to be sinless, we must acknowledge the Law of God, and live according to the direction and guidelines from God’s law, the keeping of the law of God promotes righteousness, it promotes godliness (i.e. God – likeness traits)
As such, we must not see the law as being inherently bad simply because its main function is to identify what sin is, for we have now shown that the Law of God is a reflection of God’s character, and God’s character is NOT bad or evil.
Therefore, when we do not keep the law, we can develop characteristics that are unlike God and we thus disconnect from God, who is the source of all life. Thus being disconnected from God who is life, naturally leads to death:
For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord – Romans 6:23
The word of God reveals that living against the law, by choosing to remain in sin, will result in only one outcome: death.
Consequently, a person that chooses to remain in sin, to them the law can be described as being a burden, for the law which a sinner fails to keep is a reminder that their lifestyle leads to death. This burden will rest upon the conscience of the law breaker always.
“The law is a burden to the law breaker, but it is a JOY to the law-keeper.”
Author
The LORD is well pleased for his righteousness’ sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honourable. Isa 42:21
Conclusion:
- God’s character is sinless
- God wants mankind to reflect His sinless character
- The Law of God is the expression of God’s Character
- Mankind is able to have a sinless character by adhering to God’s Law