1020. Written and Engraved on Stones: The Strength of Sin

Imagine seeking guidance from a trusted clergy or spiritual counselor who taught and instructed you to work hard at keeping a code of stone-tablet commandments in order to succeed at securing favor and blessings from God. Chances are good you won't have to imagine because you've experienced it firsthand. You were exposed to the two-headed monster known as law and grace.

What they didn't understand was that they were pouring gasoline on the fire. The law written and engraved on stones is a ministry that no longer has glory. It was a source of death and condemnation. It was the strength of sin and it resulted in sin increasing ... not being reduced. The very thing Jesus came to redeem Jewish people from (the law) is the same thing that religion often burdens people with today ... albeit their own condensed version of it. It leads to bearing fruit for death, not life.

The better way: Knowing your identity as one who has had their heart purified by faith, is declared righteous, holy, and perfected ... and is already like Jesus through an inheritance. Understanding that you are not identified any longer as a sinner will allow the Spirit of God to guide you into bearing His fruit for life.



   
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1019. A Ministry of Works That Was Not of Faith

We're continuing on the question as to why the Christian church world has largely mixed law and grace. Something that is often overlooked from the legalistic side of the fence is that the old Mosaic law of stone tablets was not rooted in or based upon faith. Think about that. The religious mixture emphasized so frequently has confused "doing" with faith—much like those who were under the law prior to the cross.

Most have failed to realize the law of rules and regulations was not given to reduce sin ... but rather it resulted in sin increasing under that ministry. Today, Christians tend to formulate their own modernized version of law/works that may include some trace elements from the law contained in the first covenant for the Jewish people. The goal is to make it more doable so that people can feel as though they have contributed to improve their position with God.

The law of works had a purpose ... but also had an expiration date for the Jewish people (until the Seed would come). Jesus came. Grace came with Him. This has overshadowed the shadow through a promise. Grace through faith is a guarantee found within the person of Jesus. It has no place being blended with something that was incapable of bringing life or righteousness.



   
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539. Becoming Christ Conscious Instead of Sin Conscious

When we focus on our struggles and problems instead of the answer to them, it can be a frustrating endeavor. Jesus came to release the Israelites from a covenant that kept them in a constant state of sin consciousness. His one-time sacrifice was meant to put an end to this. If we're stuck in a mindset that revolves around trying to avoid sin with the commands of "thou shall not," it will generally cause an increase in sin, resulting in self-condemnation. The alternative is giving up and surrendering to the completed work of Jesus Christ.



   

538. Freedom from a Sin Consciousness

Under the law, the Jewish people were trapped in a consciousness of sin because they were in a covenant based upon their works and repeated sacrifices that constantly brought a reminder of sins. In contrast, Christ offered one sacrifice for all time to remove the struggle of a guilty conscience and the taking away of sin to be remembered no more. We shouldn't be seeking freedom from sin, but begin realizing God already provided it through the blood of Jesus. We can now live in this freedom found in Him.