Leaving Beyond – Grounded In Scripture

 “The Christian is not above the law, but walks within it as one redeemed to honor God.” ~ Charles Spurgeon

The Christian thinks himself not above the law nor a victim when he is made to face consequences even for past sinful choices. That we are justified before God and being sanctified, does not lead the Christian to think that now whatever he has done prior to salvation that he can no longer be made to face the consequences. No!

Now, he understands more than ever that what he did was sinful before God and that he must face the consequences of his sinful (even criminal) acts. Now, he faces those consequences as it pleases the Lord. He submits to the law he once resisted and despised. He reveals the work of God in him by how he submits to the law and not as one in rebellion against it.

He does not pridefully act as though because he is a Christian that he is somehow above the law. No! He understands that he is not a victim of those enforcing the law, but he is guilty, and must still face the consequences of his crimes. He does not use his conversion as an excuse to evade consequences for his crimes.

Tragically, many who profess to be Christians behave with such pride that it brings reproach on the name of Christ. Though we have been justified in Christ, that does not mean we are no longer responsible for facing the consequences of criminal acts.

Sadly, some false teachers promise that if you accept Jesus in your heart that you can claim your crimes are removed. That’s a lie! While we may find Grace in the justice system, we are not guaranteed that as a result of new life in Christ.

We are not above the law—if anything, we have more reason to honor it: to glorify God and to well represent Christ. Many claim to have respect for the law and those who uphold it until they are made to submit to it.

Friend, when the Apostles wrote that we must obey the governing authorities, it was done so while under the rule of corrupt leaders. We obey such as it glorifies God unless the law leads us to disobey God and then we obey God—yet even then, we do so peacefully and to the glory of God.

Grace and Peace, y’all
Soli Deo Gloria

April J. Buchanan