As we enter this devotion, before we delve into the topic, let us address the questions that were asked at the end of the previous devotion:
- Given that law only identifies what sin is, does that mean that Christians no longer need the law since Jesus’ death on the cross?
- Does suggesting the law no longer applies (is done away with) to the “born-again believer” imply that sin no longer exists?
- Did Jesus destroy sin on the cross or make provisions for us to live a sinless life in a sinful world?
Question 1: Given that law only identifies what sin is, does that mean that Christians no longer need the law since Jesus’ death on the cross?
Answer: Though you may be a baptized and a practicing Christian, it is quite obvious that sin STILL exists in the world. It is yet to be destroyed, and as the bible states, it will be destroyed when Jesus Christ comes to earth a 2nd time.
Hence, to ignore sin and its impact would be dangerous. Now, you may say as a Christian that you do not ignore sin, yet if you believe that the Law of God (i.e. the Ten Commandments) is no longer relevant because of Jesus’ death, then you would be guilty of ignoring sin because you are ignoring the Law. Remember, as discussed last week, there can be no sin without God’s Law, due to the fact that it is the Law that identifies what sin is. So, it is very dangerous to live with a belief that God’s Law is no longer valid, or no longer needs to be adhered to as a Christian.
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Question 2: Does suggesting the law no longer applies (is done away with) to the “born-again believer” imply that sin no longer exists?
Answer: As alluded to in the answer to question 1 above, when we suggest that the Law of God is “done away with”, it is to suggest that sin is no longer a concern, it is to suggest that sin as it is today, no longer exists. However, that could not be further from the truth. The evidence of sin exists all around us: famines, greed, civil wars, murders, kidnappings, and many other issues.
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Question 3: Did Jesus destroy sin on the cross or make provisions for us to live a sinless life in a sinful world?
Answer: We should begin to realize as we slowly press forward in this discussion, that the Grace of God does not nullify sin and by extension, it does not nullify the law. God’s grace has made provision for sinners to strive and live a sinless life in the midst of a sinful world (through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross), until Jesus returns a 2nd time. Sin is yet to be destroyed, thus the Law of God is still relevant, the Law of God is still needed.
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