Quote:
Originally Posted by KeptByTheWord
E... I understand and totally get what you are saying.
However, scripture has been used in this discussion, and I stand by what I have said, that grace is much harder on the "FLESH". Because the fleshly works which were applicable and necessary under law, are changed and more now is required of outwardly and inwardly - because of grace.
To whom much is given, much is required. More has been given to us under grace, but more is required. And those requirements are that our flesh would be completely subdued and submitted to Christ... "let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus" and Jesus subjected his flesh to death... and so must we through the spirit, subject our flesh and its desires to die, and to allow the life and love of Christ to reign in us.
So... I don't think this is regurgitating "pop" theology!
I believe that at the heart of the discussion is the fact that grace requires our flesh and spirit to be submitted to Christ, while the law required works to be pleasing to God.
The scale that weighs the balance of the two (law and grace) tips in favor of grace though, because although much has been given, and much is required... grace ushers in the power and the hope that makes the difference in an overcoming life, whereas law failed to provide that power.
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The law did not allow anyone to maintain an outward appearance of righteousness while the heart was not loving God supremely. I think people do not understand the depth of what the law required. To love God with all the heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is the hinge upon which the law hung, it was the heart of it and the intent of it.
But, the law provided no remedy for rebels except death, without mercy.
Living under the law would mean knowing that although your public sins of ignorance could be rolled off to next year by the actions of the high priest, those secret sins of rebellion (like coveting) HAD NO SACRIFICE AVAILABLE. So you only had a certain fearful expectation of fiery indignation... Perhaps you could plead with God for mercy, without excuses... but until Christ you had only a hope, not an expectation, that your sins were truly purged and remitted.
Sounds to me like grace is infinitely easier than law. Justification by law is impossible, it's too late, I'm already guilty. But justification by grace is nigh, in my heart and in my mouth, because Christ died for ME.
Under law I have to DO, under grace I only have to LET. (Let God justify me, under grace we just RECEIVE.)
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