“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death”—Romans 8:2
“But if you be led of the Spirit, you are not under the law (the law of sin and death)” – Galatians 5:18 (addition in parenthesis, mine)
As we begin to discuss this topic, “The Law of The Spirit of Life” it is important we understand the meaning of the term “Law” in the context in which it was used here.
The word law, is from the Greek word ‘nomos’ meaning—regulation or principle. Thus, law is a working principle.
If you read the entire chapter of Romans chapter 7 and then get to chapter 8 of the same book of Romans; it is clear that the Apostle Paul (by the Spirit) was giving a distinction between the man that is under the Law—The Law of Moses—and the man under grace—The Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus.
The Apostle Paul contrasted his life under the Law with the present life of a believer, who is consciously walking under the grace of God (walking in the Spirit).
But many in the body of Christ have wrongly believed – like I did for a very long time—that what the Apostle Paul was saying in Chapter 7, applies also to the believer under grace in chapter 8.
And as a result, they find their selves struggling to overcome sin, instead of gaining absolute dominion over sin (Rom 6:14).
To be obeying the law of God in the mind, and that of sin in the flesh, clearly depicts the character and lifestyle of the man under the Law that the Apostle Paul was explaining to us in Romans chapter 7.
I am expounding this fact because the outcome of our Christian walk has so much to do with what and how we believe– either wrong or right. So many believers who believe what the Apostle was saying in Romans chapter 7 apply also to the person under grace—The Law of The Spirit of Life in Christ— are bound to be easily overcome by temptation to sin.
And before and after they fall into sin, they console their selves with the wrong notion of what the Apostle Paul said in Romans 7: 25 and Galatians 5:17.
But when you believe the right thing the Apostle meant, it will definitely change your mindset about sin and temptation to sin. It will give you a superiority complex about sin; thereby leading to greater victory over sin and sinful habits.
Because the word of God tells us that sin shall not have dominion over us (Rom 6:14) and also that we should reckon ourselves to be dead to sin and alive unto righteousness (Rom 6:11).
So What was the Apostle Paul Saying?
The keys to quick understanding of Paul’s distinction of the life under the law and under grace in Romans chapters 7 and 8; and Galatians 5:17 and 18 are the words THEN (Rom7:25), NOW (Rom 8:1) and BUT (Gal 5:18).
In Romans 7:25, the Apostle says; “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So THEN with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin”
Hence, the Apostle concluded all he was saying in Romans chapter 7 about his walk with God under the Law with verse 25. And that can be clearly understood with his use of the word “Then” (Past tense).
Then in Romans 8:1-2, here is what the scripture says; “There is therefore NOW no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ has made me free from the law of sin and death”
The above scripture is the status of the man under grace—NOW. The Law of the Spirit of Life (Grace) has made him free from the Law of sin and death—The Law.
Then the Apostle Paul repeats the same distinction in Galatians 5:17 and 18 thus:
“For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other; so that you cannot do the things that you would. But if you be led of the Spirit, you are not under the Law (the Law of sin and death)”.—words in parenthesis, mine.
From the above scriptures, the Apostle makes the distinction again, exactly the same way he made it in Romans. Verse 17 talks about the struggle of the flesh of the man under the law with the Spirit; thereby, not allowing him do the right things he is supposed to do. Then in verse 18, he contrasts it with the man under the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ; being led by the Holy Spirit or walking in the Spirit (under Grace); starting with the word “But” which introduces a contrary point from the former in verse 17.
So there you have it. The Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus has made us free from the Law of sin and death.
Walk in the Spirit and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. But if you be led of the Spirit, you are not under the law. Sin shall not have dominion over you for you are not under the law but under grace.
Hence, from now onward, jettison the wrong believe that you are to be struggling to live a Holy Life or to overcome sin and sinful habits. Instead, receive a superiority complex or mindset over sin. Receive a master mindset of Holiness.
Begin to meditate and confess all the listed scriptures in the light of this revelation you have just received about godliness. And as you do, you will soon begin to see a dramatic change in your walk with God in Jesus precious name.
Remain Blessed!
Emeke Odili
