To Sandra Jean,

http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/jan2013/sandraj15-2.htm

          I just wanted to thank you for your post about the Law of Moses versus the Law of Christ.  It shows a very nice and even-keeled comparison between the similarities and differences between these two systems.  We are no longer under the law.  But some would suggest that a Christian will joyfully go reprobate if they believe this.   

          Nowhere in the Bible are we told to "eat, drink and be merry" after we receive Christ.  If anyone thinks that the sinner's prayer is some abracadabra incantation that will magically open the gates of heaven, he is going to be sorely surprised. 

          A genuine Christian has the Holy Spirit dwelling in him or her.  So, if there is no evidence of the fruits of the Spirit, no desire to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord, then I would question the authenticity of that person's conversion.  (And I would tell them to read the New Testament.)

          We have freedom through the Holy Spirit.  Not freedom to sin, but freedom to live a life according to the Spirit – something that the Law could never accomplish.

          "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.  For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering.  And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit."  Romans 8:1-4.

          We are admonished to "live a life worthy of the calling you have received."  Ephesians 4:1.  We are told to live as children of the light: "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.  Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord."  Ephesians 5: 8-10.  And to be imitators of God: "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

          It is impossible to continue on in a reprobate state if you are trying to be an imitator of God.  This is because God is holy.  "As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.  But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'"  1 Peter 1:14-16.

          Yes, we have freedom – but it is freedom from the slavery of sin, not freedom to sin.

          "What then?  Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace?  By no means!  Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey – whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?  But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted.  You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness."  Romans 6:15-18.

          Maranatha.

                   – Lisa Taylor