THE LAW: HOW ONE KNOWS IT IS THE SPIRIT'S LEADING

Yesterday, I wrote on the two kinds of sin:  1) Sins of Commission - thoughts, words, or actions which are contrary to the will of God (1 Jn. 3:4); and 2) Sins of Omission - failure to obey the Holy Spirit's leading to speak to, or assist someone in need (Jam. 4:17).  Today, I received a call from a good friend, who wanted me to further explain my post.  So, I want to clarify a few things.

First of all, born again believers are not subject to the Law of Moses.  The Apostle Paul wrote:  "Wherefore the Law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.  But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.  For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus" (Gal. 3:24-26).

When Paul wrote this, he was not speaking of Christians "throwing out" the Law of God; he was saying that one could not stand as righteous before God, by obeying the Law, for all have broken it (sinned - Rom. 3:23).  The context of these verses in Galatians is clear; Paul wrote:  "...if there had been a Law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the Law.  But the Scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe" (Gal. 3:21-22)!

In other words, no one can be saved by his own works, because our works are not perfect 100% of the time.  We sin!  So, if the obedience to the Law cannot save us from God's judgment, how does one get "saved?"  Paul wrote:  "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  Not of works, lest any man should boast" (Eph. 2:8-9).

But once we are born again, what part does the Law play in our lives?  It serves to guide us as to what pleases God!  We know from the Law, that to steal, covet, murder, etc., are sins, so as born again children of God, we don't do those things.  A more complete list is found in Galatians 5:19-21.  By knowing what pleases God, we are able to discern which spirit is leading us to say or do something:  Satan, or the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23).  After all, we are told to prove or "try the spirits" (1 Jn. 4:1).

The Law does not save you, but it is an awesome guide to the saved!