Love Versus Law is a Battle of Our Times
Our beliefs of love versus law are tested as we see America’s values slipping out from under us. In these times, it is easy to feel anxious and powerless.
- What will be our future?
- Will our families be okay?
- Can we still make a difference?
Can Law Save Us?
I so often hear messages of end-time prophetic judgments that somehow will straighten up America’s wayward ways. I also often hear Old Testament examples of judgment used. There’s nothing new here. It’s hard not to think that if these messages worked they would have already had their effect by now.
The Old Testament
What is the central idea of the Old Testament? I believe it was to show man his complete inability to obtain righteousness on his own. Law, and its consequences were constantly given, but the outcome was usually the same. Man kept on sinning anyway. Finally, a key verse was given:
Jer. 31:33, 34 — “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
This was the promise of a New Testament.
The New Testament
What is the primary idea of the New Testament? God in us, the hope of glory. (Col.1:27) It’s all about relationship. Law and fear of consequences can keep a certain amount of order but not produce true righteousness. Only loving relationship can produce that. When we love God, we will obey Him. (Jn.14:23)
God doesn’t punish sin because He is so incredibly angry that people just won’t obey Him. He’s not battling a bruised ego. All the preaching we hear along these lines are man’s projections of God’s nature, not how He really is.
- God is all knowing and all powerful.
- Nothing has ever taken Him by surprise nor threatened Him.
- God is love. (1 Jn.4:8)
- God judges sin because sin hurts people and God loves people.
- Love fulfills the law. (Gal.5:14)
- When I love God and others, then I no longer want to do things that hurt others.
So What Will Save Us?
I believe America and the world will come to Jesus in droves when the church finally learns how to build loving relationship with God and others rather than seeking maturity with fear. When the lost can see the Body of Christ as a loving community, where people are really valued and included, the heart cry of all men will be answered.
John 13:35 — By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.