“Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness.”
1 John 3:4
I’ve been told a story from decades ago of an uncle of mine who was killed while walking alongside a cornfield with his wife in Pennsylvania. The farmer, believing that his corn was being stolen, took the law into his own hands and shot him.
We’re not to take the law into our own hands. Our Creator—our perfect judge and loving lawgiver—gave us the Ten Commandments to address every aspect of our lives and interactions with God and others. And those ten decrees (found in Exodus 20:1-17) are still as comprehensive and perfect as ever.
“Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin” (Galatians 3:22), but that Jesus broke the curse of the law and offers the gift of salvation to all who believe. Like the Pharisees, I can see myself as righteous compared to those who commit heinous acts. But conviction by the Holy Spirit reveals my sinful heart. Jesus offers grace instead of judgment when we put our faith in His finished work on the cross. Removing the curse of sin, He gives us “the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).
We’re not to take the law into our own hands. Our Creator—our perfect judge and loving lawgiver—gave us the Ten Commandments to address every aspect of our lives and interactions with God and others. And those ten decrees (found in Exodus 20:1-17) are still as comprehensive and perfect as ever.
“Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin” (Galatians 3:22), but that Jesus broke the curse of the law and offers the gift of salvation to all who believe. Like the Pharisees, I can see myself as righteous compared to those who commit heinous acts. But conviction by the Holy Spirit reveals my sinful heart. Jesus offers grace instead of judgment when we put our faith in His finished work on the cross. Removing the curse of sin, He gives us “the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).
Scripture Focus
1 John 3:4-10
Insight
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)
Bible In A Year
- Lamentations 4-5
- Psalm 130
- 2 Corinthians 12