"We Are Not Under The Law!"

Romans 6:15

Before I am castigated as a vile, base man who is opposed to God's holy law because I dare to assert what Paul by inspiration declared, let me plainly declare that I love God's holy law and would never attempt to lower its demands. I fully realize that only the law of God can define sin (Rom. 3:20; 7:7), check the evil that is in the hearts of unregenerate men (I Tim. 1:8-10), and establish guilt (Rom. 3:19). I have never taught, implied, or imagined that anyone, (especially a believer), is free to break any commandment of God.

I simply assert that the only way any sinner can fulfil the law is by faith in Christ and that all who truly trust the Lord Jesus Christ do fulfil and "establish the law" (Rom. 3:31). I do not look to the law for justification, but to Christ. I do not look to the law for sanctification,but to Christ. I do not look to the law for motivation, but to Christ. This is precisely what the Word of God teaches me to do,and I have stated my doctrine in the very language of the inspired writers (I Cor. 1:30; Heb. 10:10, 14; I Cor. 1:19, 20; Rom. 12:1-2; Tit.2:11-14; 3:5-8). Christ is my Sabbath. Trusting him, I have ceased from legal works forever and now have entered into rest in him (Heb. 4:3-10; Matt. 11:28-30). Being married to Christ, I am dead to the law (Rom. 7:4). I anticipate all the glory and fulness of heaven as the reward, not of my obedience to the law, but of Christ's obedience and my union with him in whom I have all things (Rom. 8:17; I Cor. 3:21).

This doctrine does not inspire licentiousness, or any disregard for the commandments of God. Rather, it inspires me to love and seek that which honors my God. It motivates me to strive in all things to do that which I know to be his will. Grace has taught me to trust and love my God and Savior, not law. I fully acknowledge my sin. It is ever present. It mars all that I am, all that I think, and all that I do. Yet, I am at peace! Trusting Christ, I am free from the law that would otherwise terrify and condemn me (Rom. 8:1). Having tasted "the glorious liberty of the sons of God," I will not go back to legal bondage!

Don Fortner