Commentary on "The Election of Grace"

MARK MARTIN

 

Day 5: Wednesday, September 15, 2010 - Relationships to Others

 

 Overview

Today’s text is a wonderful example of the New Testament’s teaching of New Covenant law-keeping.

Paul says, Rom 13:8-9:

“Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.” Romans 13:8 NASU

 

Observations

The clear reading of the passage is that loving one another fulfills the law. It is a new thought for many to see that the commandments that believers are to obey are so simple. The apostle John teaches us that:

“Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.” 1 John 5:1-4 NASB

Earlier, John explained what these commandments are:

“Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight. This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us. The one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. We know by this that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.” “1 John 3:21-24 NASB

The “commandments” of Jesus are simply two commands; that we believe in Jesus and love one another. There is no mention of the “Law” or the Ten Commandments.

Here are some very helpful resources that discuss this topic in greater depth:

• "Is The Christian Under the Bondage of the Ten Commandments" by H. H. Savage
• "The Truth About the Law" by I. M. Haldeman

 

Summary

1. The New Testament clearly describes new covenant law-keeping as owing nothing to anyone except to love one another.
2. Those who are born of God and indwelt by the Holy Spirit are His children, and the mark of being His children is our love for one another.
3. The two commands of Jesus for His people are these: to believe in Jesus and to love one another.
4. There is no mention of the law or the Ten Commandments in any of the New Testament passages about how Christians are to live and obey God.

 

GO TO DAY 6

 

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