Rediscovering the Joy of God’s Law
As Christians, we often struggle with the concept of law and grace. Are they opposing forces, or can they coexist in harmony? In her book “Ten Words to Live By,” Jen Wilkin invites us to reexamine our relationship with God’s law and discover its life-giving wisdom.
The Unity of Law and Grace
“Law and grace have come to be pitted against one another as enemies, when in fact, they are friends,” Wilkin writes. “The God of the Old Testament and the God of the New have been placed in opposition, when in fact, they are one and the same.” This misconception has led many to view the law as restrictive and oppressive, rather than a means of sanctification and growth.
Loving the Law
So, how can we learn to love the law? According to Wilkin, it starts with loving Jesus and recognizing that He loved the law. By embracing the law, we can set ourselves apart from the world and point others to the love of God and neighbor. The Ten Commandments, often misunderstood or ignored, hold the key to living holy lives as citizens of heaven on earth.
The Means of Sanctification
Obedience to the law is not just about external actions; it begins in the heart. As Wilkin notes, “No more external obedience. Obedience that pleases God begins in the heart.” By delighting in the law, we can experience the joy of sanctification and grow in our relationship with God.
Restored to the Image of God
One of the most profound effects of loving the law is being restored to the image of God. When we worship idols, we conform to their image, but by putting them to death, we can be restored to our true identity as image-bearers of God. This is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of the gospel.
The Narrow Path
The path of holiness is narrow, but it is the only way to truly experience the delight of loving God and neighbor. As Wilkin writes, “The narrow path is narrow because its gate is Christ alone, and its way is the way of holiness.” By walking this path, we can look forward to a day when all will be made new.
Conclusion
In “Ten Words to Live By,” Jen Wilkin offers a fresh perspective on the law of God, one that is both delightful and life-giving. By embracing the law, we can experience the joy of sanctification and grow in our relationship with God. May we learn to love the law and walk in the narrow path of holiness, pointing others to the love of God and neighbor.
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