If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Galatians 5:18
Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes. Romans 10:4
How very often we live without the joy and peace, the confidence and freedom that Jesus bought for us! Instead, we inspect every corner of our hearts, finding ourselves wanting. We wonder if praying harder or reading our Bibles more will mean will make us more worthy of His love. We are tempted to measure our relationship with God according to what we have done, imagining that as we work harder, the more holy we will become. We strive and push and wear ourselves out, reaching for those things that Christ has promised, but which seem so mysteriously out of our reach. Why?
Charles Spurgeon answers this question beautifully:
He who looks at his own character and position from a legal point of view will despair when he comes to the end of his self-examination. If we are to be judged based on the law, no one will be justified.
How blessed to know what we dwell in the domains of grace and not of law! The question is not, "Am I perfect in myself before the law?" but, "Am I perfect in Christ Jesus?" That is a very different matter.
We need not inquire, "Am I without sin naturally?" but, "Have I been washed in the fountain opened for sin and for uncleanness?" It is not "Am I in myself well-pleasing to GOD?" but it is, "Am I accepted in the Beloved?"
The Christian views his failures from the top of Sinai and grows alarmed concerning his salvation. It would be far better if he read his title by the light of Calvary. He says, "My faith has unbelief in it. It is not able to save me." If he had considered the object of his faith, instead of his faith, then he would have said, "There is no failure in Him; and therefore I am safe."
He sighs over his hope, "All my hope is marred and dimmed by anxiety about present things. How can I be accepted?" Had he regarded the basis of his hope, he would have seen that the promise of God is certain.
Judge yourself by what Christ is rather than what you are. Satan will try to destroy your peace by reminding you of your sinfulness and imperfections. You can only meet his accusation by faithfully holding to the gospel and refusing to wear the yoke of bondage.
Whatever our doubts may be, the oath and promise never fail. It is always safer to be led of the Spirit into gospel liberty than to wear legal chains.
(from Charles Spurgeon, Morning and Evening)
Which will you choose: the law, which will certainly condemn you? Or the liberty for which Christ redeemed you? Will you look to your own righteousness for salvation and holiness, or to the flawless Righteousness of Christ?
