Subject: God is in control of every single atom? |
Bible Note: oops again, this time I sent it to myself. Duh! And 1 more short Part 3 5. Love does not rule out law Christian love is the greatest of all. It is the "distinguishing mark of the Christian life" (John Blanchard), "the badge of Christ's disciples" (Matthew Henry), "the leading affection of the soul" (Matthew Henry), "the queen of all the Christian graces" (Arthur Pink), "the silver thread that runs through all your conduct" (J. C. Ryle). Without love a church is nothing at all (1 Corinthians 13:2). The new commandment Christ gives his people is to love one another as he has loved us. By this fervent pure affection the world will know that we are God's people Love is the most godlike grace. Yet Paul says, "The law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good" (Romans 7:12). Of course it must be; it comes from God; it displays his very nature. Paul cries, "I delight in the law of God after the inward man" (Romans 7:22). He loves the law because it shows the perfections of the Holy One. The Christian is freed from the law's condemnation and curse through the saving work of Christ. No longer is the law to him a dread voice accusing and judging. Christ has quenched Mount Sinai's flame; the believer is freed from sin and from the law. But now he becomes the bondslave of Jesus Christ his great liberator, and so fulfills "the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2). "If you love me, keep my commandments," says the Saviour (John 14:15). Love is the Christian's inward motive; but the law of Christ is his directive. As someone has put it, "Law is love's eyes. Without law love is blind." These twin themes, the outworking of the revelation of God's sovereignty, both taught so clearly in Scripture, are the stuff of holy conversation and profitable meditation.(geoff Thomas)http://www.founders.org/FJ24/article2.html John |