By Ken Blue
Ro 8:1 “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Ro 8:2. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. Ro 8:3. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: Ro 8:4. That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”
Definition of law: “ That which governs or has a tendency to rule; that which has the power of controlling. But I see another law in my members warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. Romans 7. ”Webster’s 1828 Dictionary.
The three laws are extremely important, and they must be understood if the child of God is to enjoy complete peace, joy, and liberty in Jesus Christ. The first law we will consider is found in the last half of verse two. It is called the “law of sin and death.” The second law is in verse three, and is “the law” of Moses. The third and final law is “the law of the Spirit of life…” and is in the first part of verse two.
The law of sin and death is a law, or principle that begins to evolve when we take steps in the direction of sin. The first example is that of Adam and Eve. God told them they would die if they ate of the forbidden tree, Eve’s explanation lays out how the law of sin and death operates. Notice the key words in Genesis 3:6. “And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.” The outcome of their action set in motion the law that brought about their death.
Another example of this law in illustrated in Joshua 7:21, “When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it.” The next few verses show the end result of the law of sin and death, it was death to Achan’s entire family.
James states that sin resides in our hearts, and is ever seeking an opportunity to assert itself. Notice how clearly he lays it out. James 1:14-15 says, “ But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” This is the progression, the law, the principle that goes into motion when we entertain and debate sin in our mind or heart. This law is as sure as tomorrow’s sunrise. You cannot escape the outcome of death if you set this law in motion. Each time you play with sin, the cords that will bind you become stronger. He who pursues sin will be taken captive by it, and then it will execute him.
Pastor Ken Blue was born in Boswell, Ark. In 1955 he accepted Christ as his Savior. He and his wife Joyce were married in 1955. They have 5 children. He graduated from Midwestern Baptist Bible College in 1969 and started the Open Door Baptist Church in Lynnwood, Wa. where he pastored for 39 years. Because of health issues (ALS) he was forced to resign as pastor. It is his desire to continue to be used of God to help pastors and believers through this ministry.