Tag: Law

Good Enough? Not Even Close!

In the opening chapters of Galatians, Paul confronts a troubling idea: that righteousness before God can be earned through human effort. For some early Christians, the path to holiness seemed tied to strict adherence to the Mosaic law—a rigorous system that no one could keep perfectly. Paul knew firsthand how impossible it was to attain righteousness this way. The law, as Paul explains, is not a ladder to God; rather, it’s a mirror, showing us just how far we fall short.

This is why Paul’s words still ring true: the law wasn’t given to save us but to reveal our need for a Savior. If it were possible to be “good enough” on our own, then Jesus’ sacrifice would be unnecessary. But in our imperfection, Christ’s perfect obedience becomes our saving grace. Jesus fulfilled the law in ways no one else could, and because of our relationship with Him, we’re declared righteous—not by our actions, but by His.

When we live with this understanding, good works take on a new meaning. They’re not a checklist for salvation or proof of our worth but rather a response of gratitude for what Jesus has already done. We live righteously because we’re loved and saved, not in an attempt to become loved or saved. This mindset frees us from the endless cycle of trying to “measure up” and invites us to rest in the assurance that Christ has already bridged the gap.

Let’s not allow ourselves to be drawn back into performance-based religion. Instead, let’s remember that our worth is found in Christ’s fulfillment of the law and His deep, unwavering love for us. We live righteously not out of obligation but out of joy, thankful for a salvation we could never earn but freely receive.

Rules to Live By… Literally!

The Law of Moses was not only spiritual but eminently practical, designed to lead to human flourishing. When Nehemiah reflects on the people’s disobedience, he emphasizes that following God’s regulations brought life. This isn’t just because of obedience in the abstract, but because the Law itself was crafted to promote well-being. For Israel, it established principles that affected every aspect of life—hygiene, community health, justice, and economics. God’s commandments weren’t arbitrary; they protected and preserved life. For example, laws around cleanliness, dietary restrictions, and property rights were all geared toward a community that thrived physically, socially, and spiritually.

In Nehemiah’s time, the people’s neglect of these regulations was seen as the root of their misfortune, not because God was eager to punish, but because the natural consequences of disobedience were a breakdown in the fabric of society. The Law represented the very foundation of a life-giving order, and when they abandoned it, chaos ensued. God’s regulations are more than rules—they are guardrails that keep us from driving off the edge of a cliff. This is the heart of what Nehemiah meant by “people will find life if only they obey.”

Similarly, in the New Testament, Jesus speaks of bringing life, and life to the fullest. His message, like the Law before Him, was designed to bring healing, hope, and transformation to those who accept it. To those who reject it, however, the result is not life, but condemnation. The Apostle Paul speaks of this contrast clearly in 1 Corinthians 1:18, where he says, “the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

Those who see the Gospel as foolishness miss the life it offers. They reject it in favor of self-reliance or worldly wisdom, but like ignoring the laws of nature, there are inevitable consequences. Following Jesus isn’t just about spiritual salvation, although that is foundational. It’s also about living in alignment with the One who created us and knows what’s best for our flourishing. His teachings on forgiveness, generosity, humility, and love are keys to a life of meaning, joy, and peace. Rejecting this path leads to the opposite—broken relationships, bitterness, and ultimately, death.

The Law of Moses and the Gospel of Christ both offer a way to live in alignment with God’s will. When embraced, they bring life. When rejected, they bring condemnation. But in both cases, God’s desire is not punishment but restoration. The goal has always been that His people would choose life by choosing Him, for His commandments are not burdensome, but a reflection of His love and care for humanity’s well-being.

Delight in the Law… Really?

For YEARS after I returned to the church around age 13 I was always perplexed by this idea of delighting in the law, yet we see it pop up in the Psalms on multiple occasions. So what’s the deal with that? Doesn’t the law limit our freedom? Doesn’t it put restrictions all around us? Tell us what we cannot do? Why would I celebrate that?!

Here is my question: do we *really* want totally unencumbered, unfettered, limitless freedom? For those who might be thinking “Yes”, but know the other shoe is about to drop, here it is: another word for the scenario I’ve just described is lawlessness. That’s right. Total freedom is the same as lawlessness. Except that one sounds like a good thing and the other sounds like a bad thing.

The law is as much protection as it is prohibition. All the more in the case of God’s law. He wants to see each of us flourish and in order to reach our maximum potential, we need to stay on the optimal path. That’s what the law does. It provides guardrails to to keep us away from the sin that wants to trip us up and derail us. It makes sure we do not merely finish, but finish well.

So yeah… let’s delight in the law!