233. The Law of Liberty Causes the Kingdom of Heaven to Develop Within Us

The knowledge of God first comes into our human senses and consciousness by the hearing of the Word. The Word is kept there until the day comes when we receive, with meekness, the implanted Word. James 1:21. It is only when the Word is received in this way that it is mighty to save our soul. The Word must be swallowed before it can begin to be active. This is how God works in us both to will and to do. Then works of faith appear as a result. We are not only hearers of the Word, but doers. In this way, we become blessed in what we do. James 1:25.

However, receiving the Word in this way is something we must do of our own free will, voluntarily. We are encouraged to speak and do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. James 2:12. By this law we are liberated in spirit and truth. The body of sin is destroyed by the law of liberty, and by the same law, Christ’s life and image are revealed in us.

The law of liberty causes the kingdom of heaven to develop within us, and the fellowship of the sufferings of Christ works in our mortal flesh. We are not forced to live this life, but it is required of everyone who wants to be conformed to the image of God’s Son. Without this life it is impossible to be like Him. This is the salvation by His life written about in Romans 5:10.

The knowledge of Christ develops into wisdom when it is lived out in our mortal flesh, just as it was with Jesus. This is the way the mystery of godliness comes to light: Christ manifested in the flesh. Every person has the opportunity to live his way into this truth. But it is only revealed to those who live the life. It is not given as a result of studying or because one is intelligent, but as a result of the life that works through “the light of Life.”

This is how our body becomes a member of Christ’s body: it is always given for the ministry of righteousness. However, in order to make progress toward this goal, we must nourish ourselves with the words of faith and sound doctrine (1 Tim. 4:6), and we must flee the corruption in the world which comes through our lusts. 2 Pet. 1:4. Then divine nature comes quite naturally; for God gives life and growth.