The Law in Us

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, Cal. · Jan 6, 1904

The Law in Us.—But God requires more of us than to be within the scope of the law, amenable to its requirements. As His creatures, we are made thus. Born in sin we find ourselves condemned as sinners—under the law. God would not have us remain in this condition. Christ Jesus died to redeem us from this condition, "that we might receive the adoption of sons." "Freely by His grace" He forgives the sins of all those who believe, and so brings them in harmony with the law. Rom. 3:20-26. "There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus." "For sin shall not have dominion over you; for ye are not under the law, but under grace." Rom. 8:1; 6:14. But what is our relation to the law? "Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid; yea, we establish the law." Rom. 3:31. Where do we establish it? Nowhere as respects God's jurisdiction; for "His throne ruleth over all," and "forever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven;" but we establish it within our own heart, where it is written by His Spirit. "Saith the Lord, I will put My laws into their mind, and on their heart also will I write them." Heb. 8:10. Why?—"That the righteousness ["ordinance," the very thing the law ordains] of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Rom. 8:4. To be "under grace" is therefore to be in harmony with God's law, neither under it nor above it, but the law within us, the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus.