Forgiven And Free

Romans 7:7a – Well then, am I suggesting that the law of God is evil? Of course not! The law is not sinful, but it was the law that showed me my sin. (NLT)

I have a confession. I'm a lawbreaker. "Why aren't you in jail?" you might speculate. I wasn't caught or convicted. You see, I was driving down a local interstate freeway not long ago when I looked down at my speedometer and noticed I was traveling 72 miles per hour. "What's wrong with that?" you wonder. The speed limit was 70.

Now you might consider this a minor infraction and question why such trivialities would even concern me. After all, I didn't murder, rape, embezzle, or rob. True, but I am a lawbreaker nevertheless. No highway patrolman in his right mind would stop me and no judge would convict me, but technically I am guilty.

While the laws of any country are important — since they prevent any given society from falling into chaos — there are higher laws, many of which parallel society's laws. This law was given by God and is found in the Old Testament. But if obedience to this law does not require God to accept me, what is its benefit?

Though obeying the laws of society may keep me out of jail, I'm still not totally free. I may choose not to rob a bank for fear of the consequences, but deep inside, the desire for the money that I would get and what I could do with it is still there.

My freedom comes through the forgiveness which God provides for all who ask. Even future infractions are covered. This allows me to live with confidence. Nothing I do will ever remove me from God's care and love. Once He declares me "not guilty", I am free indeed. My inner motives will drive my outward actions.

Prayer: Father, help us to live with the freedom of knowing that we are fully forgiven. Amen.

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