THE HIGHER LAW – THE LAW OF THE SPIRIT OF LIFE IN CHRIST JESUS: ASSURED THE TRUTH THAT GIVES FREEDOM FROM THE LAW OF SIN AND DEATH!
“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, THE TRUTH, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” John 14:6
“As He spoke these words, many believed in Him. 31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you ABIDE [CONTINUE] in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall KNOW THE TRUTH, and THE TRUTH shall make you FREE” John 8:30-32/Amplified.
Every day, and in every phase of doing life, people crave TRUTH, without THE TRUTH.
Employers want people of good character, with the assurance that such people will uphold the truth.
The people elect leaders, and leaders appoint people to places of leadership and governance, on the basis that they will uphold the truth and be truthful in character.
And people look to families, friends, colleagues, business partners, relationships, religious leaders and such like, with the hope that truth will be upheld in every situation.
Unfortunately, that does not become the reality — because THE TRUTH is not factored into the context of truth, though it is expected. And that makes it elusive in so many ways.
The simple reason for this is that people are not in tune with the higher law: the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:2
So over time, people have lied, and are still lying, by using the language of righteousness to mislead people in their unrighteous acts of doing life as it is written:
“For [God does not OVERLOOK sin and] the WRATH of God is REVEALED from heaven against all UNGODLINESS and UNRIGHTEOUSNESS of men who in their WICKEDNESS SUPPRESS and STIFLE THE TRUTH, 19 because that which is known about God is evident within them [in their inner consciousness], for God made it evident to them” Romans 1:18-19/Amplified
What then is THE TRUTH, and how can THE TRUTH factor into our being to become our reality in doing life and living godly in the grace?
THE TRUTH is Jesus! He is not truth but THE TRUTH John 14:6.
And when He is not factored into the context of our doing life and living godly in the grace, we fall into make-believe truth and not THE TRUTH.
For THE TRUTH operates in the realm of the higher law — the law of the Spirit of life life-giving — that is in Christ Jesus Romans 8:2.
And it is in the working of this higher law that we are set free. We receive FREEDOM from the law of sin and death — that which many desire to have within them and offer to others. But without Him, it remains an illusion to attain by human effort: truth without THE TRUTH.
It is by you, the believing child of God in Christ Jesus, ensuring and assuring to be doing life and living godly by THE HIGHER LAW — THE LAW OF THE SPIRIT OF LIFE IN CHRIST JESUS, that you can activate and actualise the FREEDOM in your innermost being.
This enables you to live over and above the severity of the RUDIMENTARY PRINCIPLES of this world — which operate within THE LAW OF SIN AND DEATH.
Otherwise, the intent to hope for THE TRUTH that is beyond facts will only end as fate, and not in faith — in the faith. For you cannot emancipate any man with anything less than a man.
That is why the acts of sacrifice — like the killing of animals such as bulls, rams, turtledoves and lambs in the Old Testament — could not remit man’s sin and sinful nature, nor bring about wholesome redemption.
For SIN, and its corresponding effects, are summed up in these three: POVERTY, SICKNESS and SPIRITUAL DEATH.
These have been the daily life challenges of humanity — to overcome and be free from them in every aspect, context and concept of life.
And to overcome and have freedom within, as a synergy to doing life and living godly in the grace, God used something higher than man, and in the likeness of man, to deliver and emancipate man from the bondage of sin and death.
Sin — which is disobedience to God’s given instructions and commands — is the reason for POVERTY, SICKNESS and SPIRITUAL DEATH.
And God’s command, especially when it is direct and specific, is not advice to take or leave. It is divine instruction to be obeyed with a willing and obedient spirit.
The act of Adam disobeying the express instruction of God, knowing the intent and repercussion, was treason. It was like saying, “I am going to break your word intentionally, while you go and do your worst.”
That “worst” has resulted in: POVERTY, SICKNESS and SPIRITUAL DEATH to all mankind.
For though he himself was not cursed per se, the place — the ground — of his livelihood and cultivation was cursed Genesis 3:17-19. Ever since then mankind has had to work through the cultivating process to make a living.
Adam died spiritually first, and in time he died physically. And because the blood — of Jesus, the Lamb — was shed to keep him clothed Genesis 3:21, he was saved eternally.
Spiritual death results in and precedes physical death, and where there is no remedy, eternal death follows.
That is why when THE TRUTH is not taught, not known, and is suppressed and denied with mere facts that bear no truth, then ignorance, erroneous living, foolishness and such like will crowd the minds of people. They will make and keep making false judgements about THE TRUTH in their lack of knowledge. Hosea 4:6; Isaiah 5:13-15; Matthew 22:29; Romans 1:18-32
Furthermore, another effect of not having the assurance of THE TRUTH in context and application is that people resort to denominational indoctrination, religious dogmas, sectarianism, traditionalism and such like — man-made by-laws of dos and don’ts. Colossians 2:8-23; Galatians 4:1-5, 8-11; Romans 8:1-11
And though in the days of ignorance God overlooked such things Acts 17:30, He now commands all men everywhere to locate THE TRUTH, because judgement day is coming.
And by THE HIGHER LAW — THE LAW OF THE SPIRIT OF LIFE IN CHRIST JESUS, we can know the truth that emancipates and gives ASSURED FREEDOM in the grace — without sentiment, prejudice or dissimulation in every context of life doing and living. John 8:32
“Therefore God OVERLOOKED and DISREGARDED the former ages of IGNORANCE; but now He COMMANDS all people everywhere to repent [that is, to change their old way of thinking, to regret their past sins, and to seek God’s purpose for their lives], 31 because He has set a day when He will judge the inhabited world in righteousness by a Man whom He has appointed and destined for that task, and He has provided credible proof to everyone by raising Him from the dead” Acts 17:30-31/Amplified.
“And now I commend you to God [placing you in His protective, loving care] and [I commend you] to the word of His grace [the counsel and promises of His unmerited favor]. His grace is able to build you up and to give you the [rightful] inheritance among all those who are sanctified [that is, among those who are set apart for God’s purpose—all believers]” Acts 20:32/Amplified.
It is time to make a resolute, intentional and pragmatic decision to lay hold of the realm of the higher law — the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus — to enable you to be above, only and always, in the grace, in Christ Jesus. Amen.
There is the bondage of the Adamic nature, the result of which was the curse of the fall.
And to address the curse of the fall came the Mosaic Law with conditional blessings that were accompanied by curses — for sin, sinful disobedience, and death is the final consequence of disobedience.
This cursed nature and its effects are what the higher law — the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus — has come to deal with.
It assures and ensures that the redemptive freedom in Christ is actualised in you, in the grace.
SELAH – PAUSE AND THINK!
SCRIPTURAL THOUGHTS WORTH READING & PONDERING ON CONTEXT:
“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, THE TRUTH, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” John 14:6
“As He spoke these words, many believed in Him. 31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you ABIDE [CONTINUE] in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall KNOW THE TRUTH, and THE TRUTH shall make you FREE” John 8:30-32/Amplified.
“In the beginning was THE WORD, and THE WORD was with God, and THE WORD was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it . . .14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and TRUTH . . . 17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and TRUTH came through Jesus Christ” John 1:1-5, 14, 17.
“There is therefore NOW NO CONDEMNATION to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For THE LAW of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me FREE from THE LAW of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh . . . 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also GIVE LIFE to your MORTAL BODIES through His Spirit who dwells in you . . .14 For as many as are LED by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God . . . 17] and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together” Romans 8:1-17.
“For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.” 11 But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for “the just shall live by faith.” 12 Yet the law is not of faith, but “the man who does them shall live by them.” 13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”),14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith . . . 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; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator. 20 Now a mediator does not mediate for one only, but God is one. 21 Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by THE LAW. 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 3:10-25.
“12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned— 13 (For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come. 15 But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. 16 And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification. 17 For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.) . . . 20 Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, 21 so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” Romans 5:12-21
“It was for this FREEDOM that Christ SET US FREE [completely liberating us]; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery [which you once removed] . . . 4 You have been severed from Christ, if you seek to be justified [that is, declared free of the guilt of sin and its penalty, and placed in right standing with God] through the Law; you have fallen from grace [for you have lost your grasp on God’s unmerited favor and blessing]. 5 For we [not relying on the Law but] through the [strength and power of the Holy] Spirit, by faith, are waiting [confidently] for the hope of righteousness [the completion of our salvation]. 6 For [if we are] in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but only faith activated and expressed and working through love . . . 13 For you, my brothers, were called to FREEDOM; only do not let your FREEDOM become an opportunity for the sinful nature (worldliness, selfishness), but through love serve and seek the best for one another . . . 16 But I say, walk habitually in the [Holy] Spirit [seek Him and be responsive to His guidance], and then you will certainly not carry out the desire of the sinful nature [which responds impulsively without regard for God and His precepts] . . . 18 But if you are guided and led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the Law” Galatians 5:1-18/Amplified.
“. . . For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. 5 For Moses writes about the righteousness which is of the law, “The man who does those things shall live by them.” 6 But the righteousness of faith speaks in this way, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ down from above) 7 or, “ ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no DISTINCTION between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be SAVED” Romans 10:1-13.
SUMMARY:
This is a doctrinal charge calling believers back to Christ as THE TRUTH and to walk by THE HIGHER LAW — the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:2). It contrasts human “truth” with THE TRUTH who is a Person and shows how freedom is only actualised in Him.
KEY POINTS:
- THE UNIVERSAL CRAVING VS THE DIVINE ANSWER
Every day, in every sphere of life — work, governance, family, business, religion — people crave TRUTH.
Employers want integrity. Citizens want honest leaders. People want truthful relationships.
The problem: They are craving truth without THE TRUTH.
Because THE TRUTH is not factored into the context, it becomes elusive.
Romans 1:18-19 — Men suppress and stifle THE TRUTH in their unrighteousness.
THE ANSWER: THE TRUTH is Jesus (John 14:6).
He is not an idea or a principle. He is a Person. Without Him, we fall into make-believe truth.
- HOW THE TRUTH BECOMES OUR REALITY: THE HIGHER LAW
THE TRUTH operates in the realm of THE HIGHER LAW — the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:2).
This is a life-giving law.
It is by this law that we are set free from THE LAW OF SIN AND DEATH.
(John 8:31-32 )— “If you abide in My word… you shall KNOW THE TRUTH, and THE TRUTH shall make you FREE.”
Application: As believing children of God, we must intentionally ensure we are doing life and living godly by THE HIGHER LAW. That is how we activate and actualise FREEDOM in our innermost being.
This enables us to live above the RUDIMENTARY PRINCIPLES of this world (Colossians 2:8, 20).
Without Him, any attempt at truth is just human effort. It ends as fate, not faith.
- WHY THE OLD SYSTEM COULD NOT FREE US
The Adamic Nature: Brought the curse of the fall. (Genesis 3:17-19)
Adam’s disobedience was treason. The result: POVERTY, SICKNESS and SPIRITUAL DEATH came upon all mankind (Romans 5:12-17).
The Mosaic Law: Was given to expose sin. It offered conditional blessings with curses (Galatians 3:10-13).
But it was weak through the flesh (Romans 8:3). It could not remit sin or give life.
It was a tutor to bring us to Christ (Galatians 3:24).
Animal sacrifices — bulls, rams, lambs — could not deal with sin and its effects (Hebrews 10:1-4).
Something higher than man was needed.
- THE REMEDY: CHRIST, THE WORD MADE FLESH
God sent His Son in the likeness of man (Romans 8:3).
John 1:1, 14, 17 — “In the beginning was THE WORD… and THE WORD became flesh… full of grace and TRUTH. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and TRUTH came through Jesus Christ.”
Through His death and resurrection:
- He condemned sin in the flesh Romans 8:3
- He redeemed us from the curse of the law Galatians 3:13
- He clothed Adam with blood Genesis 3:21 — a picture of eternal redemption
- He gives life to our mortal bodies by His Spirit Romans 8:11
Result: “There is therefore NOW NO CONDEMNATION to those who are in Christ Jesus…” Romans 8:1
- THE CONSEQUENCE OF IGNORING THE TRUTH
When THE TRUTH is not taught or known:
Ignorance and Error: Hosea 4:6; Isaiah 5:13-15 — People make false judgements.
Religion and Bondage: People resort to denominational indoctrination, dogmas, sectarianism, traditionalism and man-made rules. Colossians 2:8-23; Galatians 4:1-11
Suppression: Romans 1:18 — Ungodliness and unrighteousness stifle THE TRUTH.
Though God overlooked times of ignorance (Acts 17:30), He now commands all men everywhere to repent and locate THE TRUTH, because judgement day is coming (Acts 17:31).
- THE CALL: A RESOLUTE DECISION
It is time to make a resolute, intentional and pragmatic decision to lay hold of THE HIGHER LAW.
To walk habitually in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16, 18).
To be led by the Spirit (Romans 8:14).
To stand firm in the freedom Christ has set us free with (Galatians 5:1).
By THE HIGHER LAW we know the truth that emancipates and gives ASSURED FREEDOM in the grace — without sentiment, prejudice or dissimulation (John 8:32).
(Acts 20:32) — “His grace is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”
In one sentence:
Human truth without THE TRUTH will always fail. Only by abiding in Jesus and walking by the law of the Spirit of life can we be set free, live above the curse, and inherit the grace of God.
REV. CHUKIE MORSI
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