APPRECIATING THE GRACE IN CHRIST
Dearest saints,
This week we want to delve more into grace by comparing it to Old Testament law. This will enable us to appreciate Jesus our Lord much more than before as we realize what He brought us out of.
You see, none of us could have been able to keep the law. We could never have met the law’s standards. The law was like a 100% grade that you could never attain. Only Jesus got a perfect 100% score. If you scored 99%, you would still have failed. (James 2:10) You can go by your own efforts, let’s say you get an 85% mark, or you can depend on the 100% score that Jesus got for you. The law was given to show man that He needed salvation. The law was given to show you that you are unrighteous. (Rom. 3:20) The law was like a seven-foot measuring stick to show you that you were only 5 1/2 feet tall. The law was a straight edge, to show you how crooked you were.
According to Colossians 2:17 and Hebrews 10:1 the sacrifices of the Old Covenant are referred to as a shadow. If you see a shadow of a man holding a knife, you would know the substance is not too far from you. The shadow showed you that the real was on the way. The law was like a mirror that showed you that you have soup on your face after dinner, but it didn’t clean your face for you.
Look at this comparison of the law and grace. You can substitute the word grace for Jesus Christ, and you would be correct because as we found out, He is grace personified.
The law imposes divine standards to Grace imparts divine life based on God’s
show man his sinfulness benevolence
The law came by Moses Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
The law prohibits us from coming to God. Grace bids us to come as we are.
The law condemns the sinner. Grace redeems the sinner.
The law slays with a curse Grace quickens with the Blessing
The law shuts every mouth Grace opens every mouth in praise to God
The law says: do this or die Grace says it is done: now live.
The law says: try, do your best Grace says: trust and rest
The law condemns the best of men Grace justifies the worst man
The law says: pay what you owe Grace says: It is paid in full.
The law provides the basis for sin Grace provides the basis for righteousness
The law says the wages of sin is death Grace says the gift of God is eternal life
The law says the soul that sins shall die Grace says believe only and live
The law reveals man’s sin Grace reveals God’s love
The law grants us the knowledge of sin Grace grants us the knowledge of redemption
The law demands obedience Grace gives us the power to obey
The law was written on stone Grace is written in our hearts
The law brings us to bondage Grace sets us at liberty
The law genders fear Grace genders faith
The law was done away at Calvary Grace abides forever.
Which side do you live in? Everything grace does, that’s Christ at work for us and in us. That’s where we should live today. Somebody praise the Lord!
