All the various covenants of Scripture—which are all developments of God’s one overarching covenant of promise—contain some form of commandment from the Lord, something we must do to realize more of the fullness of grace He has shown us. In Christian terms, we don’t keep the Law of God to be saved; we keep it because we are saved. Today’s excerpt from The Joy and Rejoicing of My Heart is found on page 40:
“We have already seen that, in the context of God’s covenant, commandments are essential to gaining the promises of God. Adam and Eve, created by grace and blessed by grace, were given commandments so that they might know the fullness of life with God. Keeping the commandments did not earn them a place in the presence and favor of God; keeping the commandments gave them fuller, richer access to the life God had given them with Him.
“The same was true of Noah and Abraham. Each was given commandments – laws from God, if you will – but not as a way of gaining favor with God. Rather, the commandments came to them as men chosen by the grace of God, so that they could become more fully immersed in the life of God, the life of His presence and peace.
“The same is true with Israel at the time of Moses. God did not give them the Law so that, by keeping it, they would somehow merit the grace of the LORD. His covenant with Israel began in grace, and then turned to commandments as a way of illuminating the roadway, so to speak, by which, over time, they would enjoy more of the blessings of the LORD. The Law, God insisted, was given to bring Israel more fully into the life of God’s covenant blessings.
“The Law illuminates more brilliantly the roadway of redemption and restoration. And, as we shall see, that Law becomes a permanent fixture for God’s chosen people, as they cross the river of time toward the eternal presence and peace of God.”
For reflection or discussion
1. What role does the Law of God have in your life at this time?
2. How does keeping the Law of God train us to be agents of grace in the world?
See, that’s the thing most people don’t understand. God gave us His Law so that we would know the way to realize His promises. As we study and obey God’s Law, we grow in love for Him and for our neighbors. And in that love—fully realized in our Lord Jesus—we realize all the blessings of the covenant promises of the Lord. Share today’s podcast with a friend, then get together to discuss it. Your free PDF copy of The Joy and Rejoicing of My Heart is waiting for you at The Ailbe Bookstore.
T. M. Moore
