Examining the "fruit of the Spirit" (Galatians 5) has recently helped me gain considerable insight into my struggles with "the unpardonable sin."
A little history. I grew up Lutheran (Missouri Synod), sound theology, conservative, but perhaps this particular church/school was too legalistic. The first thing I remember learning was the 10 commandments -- The LAW. The "Don'ts" or "Thou shalt not's." I had it down pat -- memorized with every explanation Luther wrote in his small catechism. It was Luther that stated "grace alone,..." but I was caught in the "don'ts." The "don'ts" left me without a goal, just things to avoid. The more I contemplated the law and things to avoid, the more I contemplated the things I was avoiding. This made me weary and sin prone. I think I was a "slave to the law." Years later, when I came across the passage on "blasphemy of the Holy Spirit," I wanted to be sure I made that the utmost "DON'T!" [Quick DON'T think of a pink elephant!] Well, I went further and researched for reassurance that I had not committed this unpardonable sin. The more I was reassured, the more the problem grew until the thoughts were as dark as thoughts can get. Legalism enslaved my mind and OCD was the "task master."
However,
Living in step with the "fruit of the Spirit" is a goal that a Christian freed from the law, by Christ's fullfilment of the law, can enjoy pursuing.
Galations 5:
"...if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.....the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires."
These are the DO'S! This life can be productive and enjoyable, with GRACE ABOUNDING!
Now, we should reflect on Romans 7 as Paul states that the Law is not to be disregarded. It's just that the law can't save us. Only Christ can save us.....AND HE HAS!
The Law has been fullfilled by Christ, perfectly.
May we all enjoy our freedom from the Law, live in Grace, and aim to live in step with the fruit of the Spirit.
God's Grace through Christ,
Marc
A little history. I grew up Lutheran (Missouri Synod), sound theology, conservative, but perhaps this particular church/school was too legalistic. The first thing I remember learning was the 10 commandments -- The LAW. The "Don'ts" or "Thou shalt not's." I had it down pat -- memorized with every explanation Luther wrote in his small catechism. It was Luther that stated "grace alone,..." but I was caught in the "don'ts." The "don'ts" left me without a goal, just things to avoid. The more I contemplated the law and things to avoid, the more I contemplated the things I was avoiding. This made me weary and sin prone. I think I was a "slave to the law." Years later, when I came across the passage on "blasphemy of the Holy Spirit," I wanted to be sure I made that the utmost "DON'T!" [Quick DON'T think of a pink elephant!] Well, I went further and researched for reassurance that I had not committed this unpardonable sin. The more I was reassured, the more the problem grew until the thoughts were as dark as thoughts can get. Legalism enslaved my mind and OCD was the "task master."
However,
Living in step with the "fruit of the Spirit" is a goal that a Christian freed from the law, by Christ's fullfilment of the law, can enjoy pursuing.
Galations 5:
"...if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.....the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires."
These are the DO'S! This life can be productive and enjoyable, with GRACE ABOUNDING!
Now, we should reflect on Romans 7 as Paul states that the Law is not to be disregarded. It's just that the law can't save us. Only Christ can save us.....AND HE HAS!
The Law has been fullfilled by Christ, perfectly.
May we all enjoy our freedom from the Law, live in Grace, and aim to live in step with the fruit of the Spirit.
God's Grace through Christ,
Marc
