Skip to main content

The New Living Way

The New Living Way

"... Now, at the present released from the Law, having died in that which held us captive, so that we serve in newness of Spirit and not the old written code" -- Romans 7:16

Paul states that we are now united to Christ in his death and also raised with him into newness of life. What held them captive was sin but also the Law, it was a guardian until the appointed time God would send a Messiah (see School Master). Paul uses the metaphor of marriage to describe how we are released from the Law; like a wife whose husband dies, now she is released from the Law and can marry another, so also have we died with Christ and are released from the Law and bound to Christ in a new covenant. The purpose of this is that we live in a new living way of the Spirit and not fleshly through the old written code or Mosaic Law.

"So then brothers, you also have died to the Law through the body of Christ to the extent you exist by creation of another, the one raising you from the dead, so that you bear fruit of God" -- Romans 7:4

We were dead in our trespasses and sin, living in the flesh, the sinful passions, that were aroused by the Law in our bodies, bearing fruit unto death but God raised us and made us alive in Christ (Romans 7:5; Ephesians 2:1-7). Being made alive is to be born a new into the kingdom of God by the Spirit, this is the way Jesus said we must now enter, as He is the Way to the Father. We are born a new and given the gift of righteousness and grace. The incorruptible living word and the eternal living water of the Spirit is nourishment and transforms our souls, like as a tree planted by a river, the imperishable implanted seed grows up to bear fruit unto righteousness, fruit of God's divine nature.

When we believe we are sealed of the Spirit, Ephesians 1:13-14, which is equivalent to new birth. This is what was prophesied of, God would put His Spirit within us and give us a new heart. Now, as partakers of God's divine nature we are indebted to live according to the Spirit, not the flesh and its desires. We are to enter our reasonable service, Romans 12:1, so that the body of sin is put off and the new man of the Spirit is put on through being renewed of the "spirit" of our minds. We are guided into the truth by the Spirit, putting away pride and in meekness receiving the implanted word of God that has power to save our souls.

“For you did not receive a spirit of slavery leading back to fear, rather receiving a Spirit of adoption in whom cries out Abba Father!” – Romans 8:15

The above is profound wisdom that comes from God through Christ to us. The scriptures tell us we have testimony of the Spirit that we are children of God. Also that we are not condemned, as we have been united to Christ in a new covenant, released from fear and condemnation so that we live in the new living way of the Spirit and not under the written code or law (Romans 7:1-6). We are free from the law of sin and death that exists in the body, through the new birth of the Spirit thus under a new law of the Spirit of life (Romans 7:22-24; Romans 8:1-2). 

"for indeed what was glorious has no glory on account of the surpassing glory" -- 2 Corinthians 3:7-10

The ministry of the Spirit and righteousness, in the new covenant established by the death of Jesus, exceeds the glory of the old which Paul states was a ministry of death and condemnation, and since the new has come the old no longer has any glory due to the surpassing glory that comes in Christ (2 Corinthians 3:7-10). 

“Because God said 'from darkness light will shine out of darkness,' who has flooded our hearts with the light of the glorious knowledge of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6). 

If we build up that which was tore down, we become a lawbreaker, we fall from grace and sever ourselves from the life flow of Jesus and do not have fellowship with God (Galatians 2:16-18; Galatians 5:1-6; Ephesians 2:13-18). 

“So that the righteous requirements of the Law are fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit” --Romans 8:4

It is one of the most profound mysteries in Christ, that being a new creation, being born of the Spirit, we now have a way to fulfill God’s righteous requirements. "And he died on behalf of us all so that living, living no longer living themselves rather the one dying for them and was raised" (2 Corinthians 5:15; Romans 6:4). Our life comes through Christ, abiding in him like a branch connected to a vine we will bear fruit of life and righteousness, fluffing God's righteous requirements.

"Now, grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, to his glory at the present and to the extent of the eternal day" (2 Peter 3:18)

Our life and godliness doesn't come through following laws, but through knowing Jesus, in whom we grow up to bear fruit of that inner spiritual new birth, the new man. Bearing fruit from growth is fruit of God, good deeds that glorify God. Growing in the knowledge of Jesus means to increase in both grace and understanding of knowing Jesus. As stated in the parable of sowing, the plants that bear fruit are those which have deep roots and understanding (Mathew 13:11-15; Mathew 13:19-23). 

The one who hears the word and understands it is the one who bears fruit, 
"But the seed falling on good soil refers to the one who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a harvest, yielding a hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was sown.” -- Mathew 13:23

This understanding or knowing Jesus as the word of life is what causes us to bear fruit, which involves a deeper relationship with Him, a more profound understanding of His teachings, and a closer walk with Him in daily life. The Mosaic Law points to God’s righteous requirements, but there was a weakness, the Law was spiritual and man was carnal and fleshly so the Law was "weak through the flesh." 

But even though we were dead in sin God was rich in mercy through his great love and made us alive spiritually. Now we can walk i  his divine nature, "now, I say walk spiritually and fulfil, not fulfilling the desires of the flesh" (Galatians 5:16). We please God through faith, Hebrews 11:6, and the Law was not from faith but teaches one to live by a written code or laws which no one will be justified before God by (Galatians 2:16; Galatians 3:12).

"since you have died with Christ to elemental principles of the world, why like as living in the world, to dogmas (to decree, ordinances; to suffer laws to be imposed on one’s self, to submit to, bind one’s self by) of do not handle, taste, touch! These exist to the extent perishable of its intended use according to human commands and teachings" (Colossians 2:20-22).

Paul states the Law actually caused sin to abound (Romans 5:20-21). The reason is the carnal man and mind has no power to fulfill the spiritual laws of God (Romans 8:7-8). So by nature the carnal man rebels against God, living to passions and desires of the sinful nature and energized by evil forces, being by nature children of disobedience and wrath (Ephesians 2:1-4). The solution to this rebellious nature begins by becoming a new creation, and continues through transformation, the renewing of the mind, without which no one has power to obey God truly.

Being a new creation, born of the Spirit and walking by the Spirit and abiding in the word of God is how we overcome the flesh and evil, Galatians 5:16 and 1 John 2:12-14, not by putting the body under harsh treatment. Paul is very clear in this, "Such sayings indeed have wisdom in self-imposed piety, false humility, and harsh control over the body, [which have] not any value against the gratification of the flesh" (Colossians 2:23). 

“For there is an annulment of the former commands through its weakness and uselessness, for the law matures [perfects] no one. Now, is the introduction of a more useful hope through which we draw near to God” – Hebrews 7:18-20

Following elemental laws, principles, and precepts, written code... is not how we find life and godliness. The New Covenant, established in the blood of Jesus, introduces spiritual principles whereby Jesus is the Way, the living bread, offering living water, and from God our wisdom, redemption, righteousness, and sanctification, so we do not boast in ourselves (1 Corinthians 1:30-31). "For by grace existing saved through faith, and this is not from you, the gift of God, not from works so that no one boasts" (Ephesians 2:8-9).

In the new covenant God puts his Spirit in us and writes his laws on our hearts and puts them in our minds. God gives us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Jesus, 2 Peter 1:3-4, in whose face shines the glory of God.* This is the profound mystery and truth of the new living way; the law of the Spirit of life doesn’t release us from God’s righteous requirements but provides a way for us to fulfill them.* 

"So we, with unveiled faces, like looking into a mirror into the face of Jesus which shines the glory of God, are being transformed from one degree of glory to another just as the Lord’s Spirit" (2 Corinthians 3:18). 

Through God's glory, which shines in the face of Jesus (it was a veiled glory that shone in the face of Moses who gave the people the Law because God had planned before he created the world, an eternal purpose in Christ) we are being transformed into the image of his Son, who is the exact representation of his character and nature. This is how we mature or are perfected, and is the goal of the gifts given to the saints for the work of ministry, so we grow up, no longer children, into mature adulthood (Ephesians 4:10-16). What God purposed in time eternal is revealed to us in Christ.

"until we all attain unity of faith and knowledge of the son of God, to the extent of mature adulthood, that measure being the stature of the fullness of Christ" --Ephesians 4:13

There is no greater purpose of the church, which is why it is our reasonable service or best way to worship God (Romans 12:1-2). Because the church reaching the world rests on the basis of it being a light, and that light is knowing experientially life and godliness in Christ. Through the knowledge of him is life, as John states this profound insight, "In him exists life and that life exists the light of men" (John 1:4). We reach the world because we look more like Jesus to the world. Like salt adding flavor and like light shining in darkness (Matthew 5:13-16). 

But we remember what we are told in scripture, many do not come to the light, because their deeds are evil, so the world will hate us being a light like it hated Jesus. Jesus came to save, redeem, he came among his own and his own and most did not receive him, but to those who did, he gave the right to become children of God born from Him (John 1). What God eternally purposed in Christ, is a new creation whereby we are being conformed to the image of Christ. This is how he has a people of His own, a holy priesthood, a royal nation.

Maturity in Christ automatically produces obedience through transformation, renewing of the carnal mind to be like Christ's so that we find his will acceptable. It is fruit being produced of God, his workmanship, not by doing good works alone. We are not becoming like robots being controlled on a mission, but coming into existence like Christ, and in him is the life that is a light unto the world, thus so we become when we are brought to maturity in him. 

The Spirit is life through righteousness and grace reigns through righteousness. Like a tree planted by water, the incorruptible seed of a righteous God lives within us. This seed needs to be cared for and nourished so that it grows up to bear fruit. So is the new inner man of the Spirit, for in this is the law of sowing and reaping, “For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life” (Galatians 6:8). 


Popular posts from this blog

The Tripartite Nature of Humanity: Spirit, Soul, and Body

The Tripartite Nature of Humanity: Spirit, Soul, and Body in Biblical Understanding The human being, as depicted in the Bible, is a multifaceted creation, often understood through the distinct yet interconnected components of spirit, soul, and body. While some theological perspectives lean towards a bipartite view (soul and body), which we do see in the Old Testament, a careful examination of the New Testament scripture reveals a compelling case for a tripartite understanding, where each is divided into or composed of three parts. Let’s explore the biblical distinction between spirit, soul, and body. The Body: Our Earthly Vessel The body is the physical form that interacts with the material world. From the very beginning, Genesis 2:7 states, " Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being ." This verse clearly establishes the body's origin from the earth, emphasizing its connec...
Read more

True Widows: A Biblical Perspective

True Widows: A Biblical Perspective Throughout Scripture, God's compassion for widows is evident. He is portrayed as their defender, provider, and source of justice. The Bible repeatedly calls believers to care for widows, reflecting God's own heart for the vulnerable. However, in his letter to Timothy, the Apostle Paul provides a specific definition of a "true" widow, emphasizing the church's responsibility in supporting those who are genuinely in need. God's Compassion for Widows The Old Testament is rich with passages that reveal God's concern for widows. In Exodus 22:22, God commands, "You shall not afflict any widow or fatherless child." This verse underscores His protective nature, ensuring that widows are not mistreated or neglected. Similarly, Deuteronomy 10:18 declares, "He administers justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing." Here, God is depicted as a just and loving prov...
Read more

Stay In The Fold

I have other sheep which are not of this fold. These too I must bring in. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock, with one shepherd (John 10:16) Two becoming one speaks that there is only one fold in the new covenant, and being part of this fold is not based upon the fleshly birth but of the Spirit, so both Jews and Gentiles who believe in Jesus will enter the fold where Jesus is the Good Shepherd. A sheepfold is a robust fenced enclosure to protect the sheep gathered within it. Figuratively Jesus uses the idea that we are sheep in his fold. When comparing God's children to a flock or sheep in his fold we see he calls them by their name, and they follow him because they know his voice (John 10:3). When he brings the sheep out [of the fold] he goes before them and they follow him because they know his voice (John 10:4). They will not follow a stranger's voice because they do not trust his voice, but they know the good shepherd will protect them and care for an...
Read more

Word Of Life

"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life. " 1 Jesus is the Word, He was in the beginning with God. 2  All things were made through Him. He is the Word and Light of men, the way, the path, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." 4  Thus we can say as the Psalmist, Jesus, the Word, is a Lamp unto my feet, and a Light unto my path. 5  "In him was life, and the life was the light of men." 6  Concerning the Word of Life, " the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life ," Proclaimed, that our joy may be complete, a glory like that in the beginning, fellowship with the Father, with one another, and with his Son Jesus Christ, the Word of Life. "You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot...
Read more

Lord, Stand By Me

"... present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness ." 1 This word for present means "I bring, present, come up to and stand by," it is parístēmi (from pará, "from close-beside" and hístēmi, "to stand") – properly, stand close beside, i.e. ready to present (exhibit). I pray Lord stand by me which expresses that I put my trust in Him, or I come up to and stand by Him. We use phrases like surrendering or bowing at the cross to explain such a moment, surely it is a coming to the end of ourselves and it is desirable that I find His will acceptable, but it is important to understand that it is about trust, not my will power, the key is that it is in Christ. The terminology the scriptures use is "present yourselves to God," or come up to and stand by and walk with Him. "... present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God--this...
Read more

My Rightousness

" Who has believed what he has heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb...
Read more

Divine Persuasion

" I say to you there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner repenting. " 2 This word for repent is metanoéō (from metá, "changed after being with" and noiéō, "think.") Oh many have misused this word. We are changed after being with Jesus. The woman at the well was changed after being with Jesus. The Bible says repentance is of the will of God, without regret. This word for " without regret " means not to be repented of, about which no change of mind can take place. Repentance like faith, a Divine Persuasion. Repentance is a change of mind that we do not change our minds about, or repent of. We know that the mind regulates the heart and the word of God discerns the thoughts and intentions of the heart thus it is through the mind the power of God is manifested in our hearts. Through the mind we are divinely persuaded or convinced of God. " Indeed, according to God the heart-sorrow repentance  without regret produces  salvation,...
Read more

Law of the Heart

" The one who has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. And the one who loves me will be loved by my Father. I also will love him and will reveal myself to him " (John 14:21). Most people think this means obeying the ten commandments or Mosaic law. While obeying the law is important there is a greater meaning. The commands are the ones God said he would write on our hearts. “ I will put my law within them and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people " (Jeremiah 31:31-34). This is the new covenant, in which we are the heirs through Jesus Christ who is the first (Romans 8:23; Colossians 1:13-18). The heirs of Abraham are made righteous through faith, for if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is void and the promise nullified (Romans 4:13-14). The righteousness of God has been manifested, through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe (Romans 3:21-22). What the law could not do, in bringing right...
Read more

I Will Awake Like Him and Be Satisfied

  I Will Awake Like Him and Be Satisfied Psalm 17:15 frames the believer’s hope as both present communion and future consummation: “ As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness .” This essay develops Charles Spurgeon’s reflection by adding the biblical emphases that we are being conformed to Christ now, that the Spirit gives life to our mortal bodies, and that our final awakening will reveal the full redemption of those bodies in Christ’s likeness. Present beholding and present transformation We already “behold the face of the Lord in righteousness” because Christ’s righteousness has reconciled us and opened intimate access to God. That beholding is not passive sight but an active, formative encounter: “We all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18). Faith fixes our gaze ...
Read more

Christ’s Liberation of the Seed of Abraham: Freedom from Slavery to the Fear of Death

Christ’s Liberation of the Seed of Abraham: Freedom from Slavery to the Fear of Death and the Written Code Introduction The claim that Jesus came to liberate the seed of Abraham from bondage—specifically not from the slavery of men, but from the slavery to the fear of death—touches deeply on the heart of New Testament theology. Hebrews 2:14–15 declares that Jesus partook of flesh and blood “ that through death he might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death .” This liberation motif intertwines several core biblical threads: the Mosaic Law and its ministry of death, the existential fear that shadowed Israel under the Law, the newness of life in the Spirit, and the identity of the seed of Abraham. This study will explore, in structured theological fashion, the approach and vocabulary of Hebrews 2:14–15, the broader New Testament’s witness to slavery to the fear of death, how the Mosa...
Read more