Israel was not given the law in order to make them the people of God. Because they were already the people of God chosen by Him, they were given the law as a guide for their lifestyle so that others would see a difference in them and recognize that there is a true and living God. This was God’s intent for them, but after a while, they wanted to be like everyone else yet still enjoy His blessings and protection.
God sent Jesus Christ as His only begotten son from His bosom to come and die so that our sins against Him can be forgiven, and we can have a home with Him for eternity. This can only be received by faith; nothing else will work, and no good work that we do can achieve it. Yet, just as in the case of Israel, after we receive forgiveness, God does not want us to be selfish about it. He gives us a lifestyle directive so that it will cause others to see the difference and turn to Him for forgiveness as well.
No good work can anyone do to earn forgiveness, but one should live like they are forgiven after receiving it. I have done nothing to deserve God’s only son, yet He died on Calvary for me.
Accompanying Bible Verses:
- Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
- Romans 6:1-2 – “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?”
- Matthew 5:16 – “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
