Theology for Everybody: RomansSample

The Bible uses the language of marriage to discuss the relationship between Jesus and people (the Church). The Church is called the Bride, and Jesus is the Groom. We were once married to the law, which was a bad marriage. Now we are married to Jesus, living under His grace, and it is a great marriage. He forgives all our shortcomings, and He helps us to change. The law stands over you, telling you what to do. Jesus stands alongside you, helping you to do it. He is relational, loving, gracious, kind, and patient.

When you get married, three things happen:

1. There’s a sacred moment when you exchange vows.

2. Your legal status changes to “married.”

3. You get a new last name (if you are the wife).

When you become a follower of Jesus Christ, the same three things happen:

1. You and Jesus have a sacred moment when you enter a special covenant relationship.

2. Your legal status changes. You’re no longer married to the law; you’re now married to Jesus.

3. Your name changes. You take Christ’s name and become a “Christian.”

Have you entered this marriage relationship with Jesus? Some people do not know it but are still married to the law. All your sins are being accounted for by God. Love doesn’t keep a record of wrongs, but the law does. The law is like an attorney who records all your wrongs, and when you die, you will stand before God and be judged by the law. You will not only live under the law in this life but for all eternity; you will live under the law and suffer to pay the debt you have accrued to the law. We call this suffering “hell.” Hell is a debtors’ prison for the guilty, for those who live and die under the law.

You must die to the law and start living under the grace of Jesus Christ. I’ve never met anyone who has said, “I’m living under grace, but I really miss the law.” How do you go from living under the law to living under grace? It’s that sacred moment when you enter into a special, covenantal relationship with Jesus Christ. You can do that right now. You can live under the grace of God through Jesus Christ. Give your sin to Jesus. Let His death satisfy the demands of the law so you can start to live under grace.

Today’s Reflection

How would it feel to live under grace instead of the law?