God’s Grace in Romans | The Law, Door of Wrath |
We saw from our last discussion that by faith in Christ Jesus we have become heirs of the blessing of Abraham, heirs of the world by faith and not by the law.
Then the apostle continues;
Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. Romans 4:15
Observe carefully this statement “Because the law worketh wrath.” God’s Law releases the wrath of God. The law brings about curses and condemnation. It invokes God’s vengeance against sin.
Before the law was given Abraham married his half sister, and Jacob married two sisters which was punishable by death when the law was introduced (Lev.18:18).
Yet God’s wrath didn’t fall on them since there was no law against these sins, and they did not do it willfully “for where no law is, there is no transgression.”
Sin is the breaking of the law;
Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.1 John 3:4
Sin was already in us, but was dead because there was no law, however, when the law was given, sin revived and death released through our disobedience to God’s law.
The law came to reveal sin and God’s wrath for sinners. Praise God for Jesus. He absorbed the wrath of God for all sins for everyone that would receive God’s forgiveness through him.
However, there are those who still seek to be justified before God by their own goodness. They revive sin and release God’s wrath into their lives.
For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. Galatians 3:10
How do I know if l have gone back under the curse?
Do you always feel like you have to do everything perfectly or else God won’t bless you?
Do you feel so unworthy by your inability to keep God’s law that you feel he wouldn’t answer your prayers?
Guilt and condemnation come from an evil conscience. A conscience not purified by the blood of Jesus. Before the law the patriarchs never walked around in guilt and condemnation even though they weren’t perfect.
Christ died and put an end to the curse of the law that we should freely receive God’s blessings by grace.
Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.Galatians 3:13-14
Our hearts are often not assured because of our false assumption that God won’t use a dirty vessel. Brothers and sisters God has no other vessel to use than dirty vessels.
We have all sinned and have come short of the glory of God (Rom 3:10). The only way we can be sure of the blessing is to rest by faith in the death of Christ and receive all things by grace, even the power to walk in holiness.
Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, Romans 4:16
The only place to be assured of the blessing is by faith in the grace of God “to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed.”
Many Christians are so afraid and beat down when they hear about the rapture. When they hear that the Lord is about to return they are so fearful and unsure because all along they’ve mixed their faith with their goodness which removed their confidence.
But when we absolutely trust in the grace of God our hearts are persuaded and the promise is made sure.
Confession
Father, thank you for your love and grace. Your wrath against all my sins fell upon the body of Jesus. The curse of the law removed and the blessing of Abraham is upon me today.
Where I have put confidence in my flesh, I repent and receive your forgiveness. I see your grace and my heart is assured as I walk in the fullness of your blessing over my life.
Prophetic Insight
In an encounter with the Lord, I heard “Dear Child, in returning and in rest shall you be established. Be quiet and confident for it is in my death that you are glorified.
How long will it take you to realize that the miracle of greater manifestation is reserved in your death? You have been crucified with me, as your heart abides in my death, you will reign with me.”
For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not. Isaiah 30:15
It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 2 Timothy 2:11
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Jahfas Victor Ahua
Living Hill Christian Church