The Rigid Rule of Law (James 2:10-13)

 
“For whoever shall keep the whole law and yet stumble in one point,
he is guilty of all.” (James 2:10)

“The law” as James uses it, refers to the Mosaic Law plus the many rules associated with Jewish life. These laws were very detailed, rigid, and impossible to obey… even for the most devoted. Today many consider the Ten Commandments “Rules to Live By”. These commandments may be your goal, but NO ONE CAN OBEY THE TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR AN ENTIRE LIFETIME. In fact, no one can even adhere for a day. These laws were given to expose our sinful nature and our need for a Savior. The law kills! Violations demand justice. There can be no mercy. One small violation makes one guilty of the whole law.

James returns his readers to the “royal law” (2:8) describing it in (2:12) as the “law of liberty” or the “perfect law of liberty” (KJV). This is James’ title for the “law written in the heart” by the blood of Jesus Christ… an internal law, strong and eternal… verses the outward law written in flesh, weak and temporal. This “inward law in the heart” is powerful because of the third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit “indwells” born again believers and can “fill” or “control” those believers if they are willing to empty themselves and “be filled with the Spirit”. While the Holy Spirit is perfect, the souls of men and women are not and will not be totally redeemed until they are present with the Lord. Therefore 1 John 1:9 says “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Personal conviction drives us to our knees seeking repentance, forgiveness, and restoration. The law can never do this. James says “For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” (2:13) Most apologize because they are caught. “Godly sorrow” comes from a repentant heart upon the realization they are “sinners”. They must then throw themselves on the mercy of God.

How do you live? Are you under the Law, hiding your sin from others, yet guilty before God? Do you live by grace, not excusing sin but striving to live for God, extending mercy and receiving grace because of the great sacrifice of Jesus for your sins? The law kills! Jesus gives life!

 

 

 

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