Law of the Spirit

Once it was asked, “Do we need to obey the Law at all?” (speaking of the Hebrew Law and Torah commonly referred to as the Old Testament of the Bible.) To which I responded:

Isn’t it more correctly asked, ‘Which law do we need to obey?’

“Which law were you thinking that we ‘need’ to obey?”

The “Law” of obedience through faith in Christ. Also known as the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus (Rom 8:2). They always need some law to obey, so I figure we give them one that’s based in scripture.

There are two types of laws, the first law, like human laws, is a set of rules that MUST be followed or else a consequence must be faced in punishment. As long as there is someone to enforce it, of course. The second type of law, is a natural condition that exists by nature of God’s creation. Adherence is natural, simply by being a part of this creation; gravity, motion, even the functions of our bodies can be considered to be part of the natural law. If we don’t breathe, we die of asphyxiation (lack of oxygen and overabundance of CO2). The first Law was like the first type of law. The second law is what I mean by quoting Paul from Romans. The law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus, is a “natural” condition for us because we have been recreated (new creation, raised in Christ, etc.). We adhere to it simply by being part of Christ. Our belief in Him is like our breathing in this world, normal and necessary for life.

Now, when we try to readhere to the Law, it’s like trying to swim under water in this new world. You inhale a deep breath of grace and dive down into the murky waters of religion. You strain and strain to keep yourself under the water because you can’t pop up on top until you’re worthy. You finally rise to the top, gasping for breath, upset at yourself for not being good enough to make it. Your getting a breath again, is like reaffirming that grace has saved you. My question is, “Why do we dive down again?”

I’m done trying to swim under the water. I might get a mask and snorkel and stick my head in now and again, but I think I’ll stay on the surface. Maybe I’ll take a walk on the shore. I hear there’s some really neat people on the dry land and some great food. Maybe I’ll get some of that fruit from the Tree of Life.



If I have to talk to anyone about obedience to a law, it’s going to be one that is, to me, like breathing. Imagine how many people are floating on the surface, unconscious but alive from simply trying to swim underwater too much.

(this post in no way expresses the author’s true opinion of water sports of any kind. :) )