Under Law Toward Christ

In Romans 7:22-25 Paul gives an account of his personal spiritual state. These are unequivocal words concerning specific laws that lead to specific results. “So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.” When the mind, which is the very expression of the person himself, can be so one with God, it ex­presses the highest degree of devotion and faithfulness to God’s laws. We must be a partaker of the same spirit, faith, and laws, if we want to reach the glorious goal that is set before us. The requirement of the law shall be fulfilled in us. Romans 8:4. Spirit, soul, and body, must be completely preserved, and blameless, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:23.

Paul was under law toward Christ (1 Corinthians 9:21), which was the reason for his firmness in life and word. We must be just as firm as Paul was. The church, which is the body of Christ, must have the preeminence in our life. In marriage, we are bound to one another by the law until death separates us. This is also how we, as members of the body, must be bound by the law of faithfulness to the body of Christ. We will not experience transformation in our lives according to God’s laws unless we consciously agree to being transformed.

Jesus, knowing that He had come from God and was going to God, began to wash His disciples’ feet. John 13:3-5. When Paul knew that it was given to him to fulfill the word of God, he rejoiced over his clear understanding concerning the sufferings he had to endure. Colossians 1:24-25.

You know whether you are employed in a trade or not. This is also how it is in the church; you know that you have a work to do that you have a responsibility to bear burdens. God uses such people to build the church. If someone does not have a desire to go on to per­fection (Hebrews 6:1), he puts himself outside of God’s plan (Romans 8:29); but all those who with a whole heart can say, “Here I am to do Your will, O God,” become living stones in this glorious building.

Paul delighted in the law of God, and whatever we delight to do, gets done. Therefore, each law he fulfilled became a bond which bound him to Christ. It is not difficult to rejoice over the fact that all things are lawful for me (1 Corinthians 6:12), but to delight in finding the evil that is present with me when I want to do the good, is a diffi­cult salvation. 1 Peter 4:18. I only find this infinitely precious law if I am extremely godfearing.

Human bonds, such as feelings, advantage, ambition, etc., with which we can be bound to the church, will not stand the test when tried by fire. 1 Peter 4:13. It is God who binds us firmly to Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:21. The bonds He uses are the fruits of the laws by which we have become one and which we have fulfilled by being obedient to them. They will not burn, but endure the refining fire of God. Malachi 3:2-3.

May we be so zealous that we come to God’s laws, with the result that we will also speak with conviction and attain definite goals in our life. Then we will always be anointed and firmly bound to Christ.