UNDER THE LAW OR IN CHRIST! J. C. O’Hair

UNDER THE LAW OR IN CHRIST!

J. C. O’Hair

In Romans 8:2 to 4 we read of the three great laws of the Bible:

1. The law of sin and death. 2. The law given at Sinai. 3. The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus.

Let us read Romans 5:18 - II Corinthians 3:9 and John 3:18: “Therefore as by the offence of one (Adam) judgment came upon all men to CONDEMNATION; even so by the righteousness of one (Christ) the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.” “For if the ministration of CONDEMNATION be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.” “He that believeth on Him (Christ) is not condemned: but he that believeth not is CONDEMNED already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”

Here we learn that the people to whom Peter preached on the day of Pentecost were thrice condemned.

1. They were condemned in Adam.

2. They were condemned by the Ten Commandments.

3. They were condemned because they rejected Jesus Christ as Saviour.

In and by and through Adam the whole world is ruined and guilty before God, condemned, unrighteous, alienated and dead in trespasses and sins. There is no hope for the worst or the best person who remains in Adam. By Adam sin entered - death entered - death passed upon all men. (Romans 5:12). By Adam “the entrance of sin.” The law entered by Moses that the offence that entered by Adam might abound (Romans 5:20). By the deeds of the law no flesh can be justified in God’s sight. By the law (Moses) “the knowledge of sin.” (Romans 3:19 and 20).

The law was Israel’s schoolmaster to bring them to Christ that they might be justified by faith; and justified, they were no longer under the schoolmaster (the law). (Galatians 3:24 and 25). Members of Christ’s Body are under grace; not under the law. (Romans 6:14).

Now hear the good news in Christ Jesus: “That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit.” (Romans 8:4). “That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 5:21). “Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this Man (Christ) is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by Him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.” (Acts 13:38 and 39). Dwell on this blessed and glorious good news. The heathen to whom Paul preached were not under the law before they were saved by grace, and certainly not thereafter. (I Corinthians 9:20 to 25).

1. By Adam is the entrance of sin.

2. By Moses is the knowledge of sin.

3. By Christ Jesus is the forgiveness of sin.

Upon the human race sin and death reign by Adam and Moses, the law of sin and death and the law of the Ten Commandments, the ministration of death, ordained unto death. (II Corinthians 3:7 and Romans 7:10).

But there is no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1), because of the efficacy, value and power of the law of life in Christ Jesus, in accordance with Romans 8:3 - John 10:17 and 18 and 28 - and II Timothy 1:10.

“For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did: by the which we draw nigh unto God.” (Hebrews 7:19). “What the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh”, Christ did do. (Romans 8:3). “Now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” (Ephesians 2:13). Which is better “in Christ” or “under the law”? (Romans 6:14).

The One True God - YESHUA (Jesus)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BFtxXI2iaE

Posted by Cecil and Connie Spivey

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