Reborn

Reborn: Do you have 'Grace Is For Sinners' yet? I wrote my thoughts on this in a chapter called 'Crime and Punishment', especially starting on page 202.

I've just typed out so many thoughts to answer your questions, that I'll just make my answer a new blog post for you, too….

I'll let you two know what to look for in the next couple of days.

Thanks for your thoughts. I have found Galatians to be a treasure cove while studying this topic.

But I'm still unclear (and maybe I will continue to be for a while… lol!)… I know that following the Mosaic law does not justify us, but sin is still sin, right?

Maybe a more clear example would be a parent-child relationship. How does a parent train a child and educate him/her about right and wrong? Wouldn't discipline and punishment cause a child to become focused on behavior and following rules?

And if there are no laws at all, what is the purpose/role of a pastor or a parent?

Sorry if I'm being dull… I'm probably just so thoroughly programmed to think in terms of law and punishment, it's hard for me to wrap my mind around this!

You have helped remind me that we all sin and that God forgives us ALL. One sin is not worse than another, it is all just sin.

Any chance you could provide encouragement to the person left behind.

The Law is finished! We are not under it anymore. Anyone who tries hold it over you does not know that the Law is finished. Here is one verse and then you'll have to think I'm crazy or wait for my next book or both.

'The purpose of the law was to keep a sinful people in the way of salvation until Christ (the descendant) came, inheriting the promises and distributing them to us.' -Galatians 3:19

If you believe that Jesus is the Christ/Messiah/'Seed'/'Descendant', then scripture has been fulfilled through Him. 'It is finished.' We receive salvation through Jesus, not through the law. The law is 'finished.'

…makes me anxious to get my hands your book (I'm waiting for it to arrive in the mail).

I've been thinking a lot about this story in John lately as I try to understand the balance between law and redemption and what the role of the law should play in our lives today. It's very confusing to me still.

Jesus had the luxury of knowing the hearts and motivations of humans. Church leaders do not have that ability. So how can they teach biblical living without elevating law higher than grace?

Hopeful I will grow in understanding and maybe blog about it along the way!

hello at graceisforsinners dot com

Do you have an exit plan for the emotional connection you feel with the other man (woman?)? If not, you can send me an email and I can share a few tips with you that may help you find a foothold on the exit route.