October 2, 2014

Galatians 3:10-12 (HCSB) "For all who [rely on] the works of the law are under a curse, because it is written: Cursed is everyone who does not continue doing everything written in the book of the law. Now it is clear that no one is justified before God by the law, because the righteous will live by faith. But the law is not based on faith; instead, the one who does these things will live by them."

The rules and commandments given to the Israelites, and indirectly us, are what I am going to sum up as the 'law', because that is what Paul did. Just wanted to make that clear before starting!

Galatians says that those who RELY ON the works of the law are under a curse. Why? Because the law operates on a cause/effect basis. You do good, God is appeased. You do bad, God is displeased and possibly angry. You are living your life, striving to be perfect, and always missing the mark by a mile. You will NEVER do enough to satisfy God, because He is perfect and your imperfection taints His perfection. So continuing to RELY ON the works of the law for salvation is like putting manacles on your hands and a ball and chain on your feet!

Rather, Paul says that the righteous will live by faith. By placing our faith and hope in God's son, Jesus Christ, we gain salvation! We don't work for it, we aren't under indentured servitude to Him, and we don't have interest that rises as time goes on. And when you love Jesus, you will find that the law is perfect and the Holy Spirit will guide you to follow the law! Now, that isn't to say that you won't fall; you will. But because you live by faith and not works, God will pick you back up again!!! Relying on GRACE, not RULES.

You see, its not about how WE can get OURSELVES into Heaven. I was looking at my life verses today, and I realized I had distorted God's words in a subtle way that made my relationship with Him dependent on ME, which isn't right! My life verses are Psalm 119:9-16, and I always read it as things that DAVID needs to do to show love to Jesus, not rest in His strength and watch Him work! Thanks to yall for your prayers and showing me where I was wrong! As we continue about our days today, lets not rely on what we do to please God; lets instead live like we have been saved by an undeniable grace that saves everyone!!!

#LiveItLikeJesus