God has set the laws that govern everything in this universe. The most fundamental (central or primary rule or principle) is the 'law of sin and death'. This is how God explained the law to Adam: "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die." (Genesis 2:16-17) But Adam was deceived by the devil to transgress the law of God and therefore, he died, first spiritually then physically! This unwritten 'law of sin and death' was in effect in the world (Romans 5:12-14) even before the old testament laws were given through Moses and therefore, it is still in effect, even after the 'written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us' was nailed to the cross. (Colossians 2:13-14) God himself has reiterated (say something again for emphasis or clarity ) the 'law of sin and death' in his word by saying, "The soul who sins is the one who will die." (Ezekiel 18:4) and that 'the wages of sin is death'. (Romans 6:23) But there is a law that counters (opposes or prevents) this and it is called the 'law of the Spirit of life'. All the consequences as a result of the violation of the 'law of sin and death' are reversed, first spiritually then physically, in the same order it happened, in those who live by the Spirit. However, the 'law of sin and death' is still at work in those who do live by the Spirit.
God had summed up the 'law of life', in just two words , "Repent and live" (Ezekiel 18:31) for 'the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.' (Galatians 6:23) It is interesting to note that the Gospel also began with this proclamation: "Repent and believe the good news!" (Mark 1:15) All who believe the message of the Gospel are declared righteous by faith. Abraham happened to discover the 'law of Spirit of life' and it was by this law that he too was declared righteous (Romans 4:1-3) and therefore received the 'promise of the Spirit' (Ephesians 3:14), who sets everyone free from the 'law of sin and death'. 'Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ, the "law of the Spirit of life" has set us free from the "law of sin and death".' (Romans 8:2) But why is it called the law of the 'Spirit of life' ? It is the Spirit who makes our spirits come alive and 'will also give life to our mortal bodies'. (Romans 8:10-11) "The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing." (John 6:63) Observing the old testament law in the flesh doesn't make a man righteous (Romans 3:20) , 'for what the law was powerless to do, in that it was weakened by the sinful nature (or the flesh), God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinfful man ( or in the flesh) in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us who live according to the Spirit and not according to the sinful nature ( or the flesh)' - Romans 8:3-4. The righteous requirements of the law are met in those who believe in Christ and they will receive the 'Spirit of life'. So it is imperative that we receive the 'Spirit of life' or else we will die under the 'law of sin and death'. Which law is at work in us? It's our choice! Choose Christ and live or to reject Christ and die! Amen.
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