The Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe. Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. So, the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law. (Galatians 3:22–26, NIV 1984).
My Musings – “The best way to keep a prisoner from escaping is to make sure he never knows he’s in prison.” (Fyodor Dostoevsky). And so it goes. Many are still held prisoners of the law, to the extent that they believe being good enough (keeping enough of the law) punches their ticket to gain entrance into Heaven. Of course, if that was the way to Heaven, no one would know how good is good enough. Not too comforting a thought, is it? As it turns out, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23, NIV 1984). Key point – all fall short. There is no such thing as good enough.
The purpose of the law was not to establish a benchmark for “goodness,” but “in order that sin might be recognized as sin.” (Romans 7:13, NIV 1984). To demonstrate that that something else was needed. Justification by faith, that frees us from the prison of sin. “A righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.” (Romans 3:21–22, NIV 1984).
My Advice – The law. “We are all just prisoners here, of our own device. You can check-out any time you like, but you can never leave!” (Hotel California, Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Don Felder). Faith in Jesus Christ. “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36, NIV 1984). Check-out anytime you like, you’ll be able to leave forever. By His device.
The Brew Is A Musing 