Posted by Pastor Jim on
November 10, 2011 08:44
11/10/11
Marriage is a covenantal relationship between a man and a woman. Because it is a covenant and not a contract it is unbreakable and voided only by death. Although our society allows divorce for almost any reason, God’s standard is still “until death do us part.” This basic and simple understanding is the backdrop for the teaching of Romans 7 concerning the Law and grace. Here we discover a powerful truth that can release you to enjoy an intimacy with the Lord that may be missing from your life right now. We are told that the Law has dominion over every single person on planet earth. God’s holy, righteous, pure law is the measuring stick for all of mankind. Although we are powerless to obey the Law, we cannot escape the demands it makes on us and the relationship we have had with it since birth. In this way the Law is our first husband. Even after we realize what Jesus did for us on the cross, experience His matchless grace and fall in love with Him, we are still bound to the Law. No matter how much we may long for intimacy with our Savior, as long as we are still legally married to the Law, we are not able to join ourselves to the real Lover of our soul. Being attracted to Jesus is easy. He loves us, protects us and provides for us. The Law does none of those things. Who would you rather be married to: someone who serves you and honors you or someone who demands perfection from you every single day with no exceptions? The answer is obvious. Our marriage to the Law is not a love relationship but is still in force until death do us part. Unfortunately, the law can’t die. It is eternal, perfect and holy. No, the Law can’t die but you can. In Christ, we have reckoned ourselves dead. We are crucified with Christ. His death became our death and now we are free to be legally remarried. Don’t waste another minute trying to please your first husband. You can never do it. Instead, accept Jesus’ death as your own and be free from the unceasing demands of the Law so you can enjoy a real, close, loving union with the Lord Jesus Christ. That is a marriage made in heaven!