Hello All,
(Just a general disclaimer that I must insert here at the beginning. I am but a lay person, like most of you. And these weekly “thoughts” are but my own. Not the definitive word on this or any topic. Just my own conclusions derived from my own study and faith in God. The greatest hope I have for these weekly “thoughts” is to have them be a springboard for further study on your part. Not to be a weekly treatise to be blindly accepted. So, please read them with this intent, this motive in mind).
This week’s lesson from “The Adult Sabbath School Guide” is titled “Law and Grace”. We often contrast these two concepts (Law and Grace) as if the two are somewhat different. But are they really different? When we hear those words (those of us “of faith”), we immediately place theological understanding on them. We see “Law” as a description of God’s character. We see “Grace” as unmerited favor. Yet when we look at these terms through the lens of family, of Father to children, both describe love. Our Father is “gracious”, therefore He gives us “laws” for our good. Love that gives laws “for us”. Love that gives grace all the time “for us”. We wayward children of our Divine Dad need “laws” when we are so wayward, rebellious, stubborn and self-willed to the point of self-destruction. But this, too, is “grace” from our “gracious” Father who is “full of Grace” (John 1:14). We “mature” adults complicate it so much. When it is as simple as a child. As simple as love.
“19 What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made… 22 But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. 23 But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. 24 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. (Galatians 3:19, 22-25).
Yup. Precisely. Because our God is so gracious, He gives us laws. He gives them so we will understand and come to truly know Him. And once we truly know Him, we come to trust Him… and love Him and His gracious ways. The love of God that can be tough enough to give laws when we need them, is seen for the grace it is. Grace that draws us like a magnet to our Father of love. Grace that wins us over and finds us head-over-heels in-love with Him. Grace that gives laws to protect us. Grace that gives salvation (healing) all the time, if we will but let His Grace find a home in us.
Let us not complicate things so much. At this late date in history, let us know Dad as He is. And help others to know Him, too.
With brotherly love,
Jim