YOU’RE GOING TO JAIL!

I’LL GUARANTEE YOU THAT YOU HAVE VIOLATED THE LAW IN THE LAST 5 YEARS!  The Highway Patrol or the IRS or the Department of Social Services or the Department of Garbage and Collections, someone, could find something of which to accuse you.  You may have even committed something that would require jail.   You may think you are as pure as the driven snow, but someone somewhere could find something damaging against you.

Guaranteed!

Read the following from Romans as Paul explained how the law is inadequate for salvation.

“That famous promise God gave Abraham—that he and his children would possess the earth—was not given because of something Abraham did or would do [or wouldn’t do].  …  If those who get what God gives them only get it by doing everything they are told to do and filling out all the right forms properly signed, that eliminates personal trust completely and turns the promise [of God] into an ironclad contract! That’s not a holy promise; that’s a business deal.  A contract drawn up by a hard-nosed lawyer and with plenty of fine print only makes sure that you will never be able to collect.  But if there is no contract in the first place, simply a promise —and God’s promise at that—you can’t break it.”
Romans 4:13-15 (msg)

“If people could receive what God promised by following the law, then faith is worthless. … because the law can only bring God’s anger. But if there is no law, there is nothing to disobey. So people receive God’s promise by having faith. This happens so the promise can be a free gift. ….”
Romans 4:14-16 (ncv)

Right now, we are witnessing the nitpicking of the law where lives will be ruined and some may pay a high penalty.  Do you want to serve a God who nitpicks at you all the time, ready to write you a ticket or sue you in an eternal court of punishment? Or, do you want to open your heart to the One who said,  “‘Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.’”
Matthew 11:28-30 (msg)

“Oh, love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure—
The saints’ and angels’ song.”
(Frederick M. Lehman)