- Philippians 2.13

Give and grant and impart to me, Thy holy grace, and Thy Holy Spirit, to protect me and preserve me from all my sins present and future, and to kindle in me all righteousness, and to establish me in that righteousness to my life's end...

  - Litany of Jesus II, Irish, 15th century

The primary work of the Holy Spirit in us is to transform us into the image of Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 3.12-18).

That is, the Spirit “who works in” us labors to create in us a desire to know, love, and obey God’s Law, and to empower us for obedience, so that we continually increase in righteousness (cf. Ezek. 36.26, 27).

Yes, He is our Comforter, soothing us with forgiving grace; and yes, He is our Teacher, guiding us into all truth.

He is also our Gift-giver, bringing out fruit and gifts for serving others.

But He is, after all, the Holy Spirit, and so He is working above all to make us holy, as God our Father is holy (Matt. 5.48).

The grace of God comes to us by the Spirit of God. The grace that saves is also the grace that sanctifies, and we can know that the Spirit is working with that grace in our lives when we can truthfully say with the psalmist, “Oh how I love your Law!” (Ps. 119.97)

It won’t do glibly to assert, “I’m not under law; I’m under grace.” No one has really begun to understand the grace of God who hasn’t discovered the Law of God as a primary source for experiencing and expressing that grace.

If we have the Spirit and are being filled with Him, then we will incline toward that which is holy and righteous and good – the Law of God (Rom. 7.12). The place God’s Law holds in your life – meditating on it day and night? (Ps. 1) – will determine the extent of the power of God’s Spirit for your transformation.

Look to the Spirit and grace of God to guide you into the truth of the Law of God, and to kindle in you the righteousness of Jesus, and establish you in it until your life’s end.

This is the way Jesus lived; it's the way we must live as well (1 Jn. 2.1-6).

Psalm 119.1-8 (Ode to Joy: “God All Nations Sing Thy Glory”)
Blest are they whose way is blameless, all who walk within God’s Law,
Who, His testimonies keeping, seek Him, filled with joy and awe!
These are they who, no wrong doing, ever walk within God’s ways.
Lord, your precepts You command us; we would keep them all our days.

Let my ways steadfastly keep to all the statutes of Your Word.
Then shall I, no shame enduring, fix my eyes on You, O Lord!
With an upright heart I praise You, in Your rules will I abide.
I will keep Your statutes wholly; keep me ever by Your side.

Lord, can I say that I love Your Law? What does that look like in my life? Can I expect Your Spirit to do anything significant in me apart from Your Law?

At The Fellowship of Ailbe
Our daily column, In the Gates, explores the application of God's Law to contemporary life. Our current (rather lengthy) series deals with the question of public policy. Does the Law of God really speak to such matters?

Why should people believe in Jesus, let's say, as opposed to whatever else it is they happen to believe? Take a look at today's ReVision column, as I continue working my way through John 1.

Still not convinced of the relevance of God's Law? Order a copy of The Ground for Christian Ethics from our online store, then write to me with any questions you might like to discuss.

Your gifts help to sustain this ministry. Please consider sharing with us. You can use the Donate button here or at our website, or send your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Dr., Essex Junction, VT 05452. And don't hesitate to write me with any questions, comments, or suggestions as to how to improve our outreach.

T. M. Moore, Principal
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