And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not. Exodus 20:20
Men, under the law, tried not to sin as they were afraid of God's fiery wrath and punishment for sin. People struggled to live sin-free lives but it was both difficult and impossible. The fear of wrath could not stop sin because sin itself was the ruling nature of man (see Romans 7). The very law that said 'don't do this' had no power to stop you from doing 'that'. It was a life of constant defeat and frustration. In response to this frustration, Paul cried out, "o unhappy and pitiable and wretched man that I am! Who will release and deliver me from [the shackles of] this body of death?" (Romans 7:24 AMP)
However, in the new covenant, the sinful nature was destroyed by Christ and man can now live a sin-free life. He doesn't have to live in fear that if he sinned, God would kill him. Rather, he lives knowing that he doesn't have sin in the first place because he doesn't have the capacity to; that sin button has been destroyed by the finished work of Christ (Romans 6:6).
This knowledge helps the believer walk, loving the Lord and living a burden-free and victorious life. Contrary to popular belief, grace is not a license to sin rather "grace trains us to reject and renounce all ungodliness (irreligion) and worldly (passionate) desires, to live discreet (temperate, self-controlled), upright, devout (spiritually whole) lives in this present world" (Titus 2:12 AMP). Those who receive and understand God's grace end up loving God and enjoying their walk with Him the more. Fear has torment but perfect love casts out fear.
Keep winning daily.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for saving me from the wrath of the law. I live free from the fear of wrath, knowing that You love me intensely. I lean on Your grace to reciprocate Your love every day of my life, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
By Aniebietabasi Uko
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