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Released from custody by grace

Opinion & Analysis
New Testament evidence succinctly reveals the liberty into which believers are called because of the finished works of Jesus Christ at the full glare of incriminating past transgressions.

New Testament evidence succinctly reveals the liberty into which believers are called because of the finished works of Jesus Christ at the full glare of incriminating past transgressions.

DEVOTION: Erasmus Makarimayi

The law imprisoned many before grace came
The law imprisoned many before grace came

Biblical promises adduce to the right of inheritance by believers through faith into the grace ushered by the sufferings of Christ which brought glory to those who believe. Christianity is a calling out of bondage from sin and death to an incorruptible life in Christ. Grace catapults partakers to a new reality released by the sufferings of Christ, His death, burial, resurrection and ascension.

The law imprisoned many before grace came. By law, I refer to the old covenant law given to Moses at Mount Sinai, which Jesus came to free us from. John 1:17 states: “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” Many are blinded by the devil from this truth and ignorantly keep themselves bound. It’s so clear that we’re free from servanthood to law to enjoy adoption as sons and daughters of God. Galatians 4:4-5 explains: “But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.” If you have been redeemed please don’t go back to ask for incarceration. Wisdom teaches us to forge ahead in the newness of life in Christ. Proverbs 26:11 is rather blunt: “As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.” Forget the past and pursue the future.

Grace has always been the real deal; God’s intention for humankind and came before the law of Moses. The promises to Abraham were and are in Christ. Galatians 3:17 casts light: “And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was 430 years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.” The law came 430 years later and cannot cancel out what God had already ordained. That’s why we see the heroes of faith making it even before

the incarnation and subsequent resurrection of Christ for they believed instead of seeking justification by works. It is, therefore, naive to bind people in this day of grace under the law that was done away with. It’s cross testamental application and it’s an error.

We were shut up, detained or imprisoned by law before the advent of grace and truth. Galatians 3:23 points: “But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith, which should afterwards be revealed.” We were kept without freedom and held up for faith that was to be revealed in Christ. The Amplified Bible paints an even clearer picture: “Now before the faith came, we were perpetually guarded under the Law, kept in custody in preparation for the faith that was destined to be revealed (unveiled, disclosed),” God is love and wants us to enjoy this liberty. Should we opt for incarceration, He’s not a dictator and let’s us function on free moral agency. Apostle Paul makes a clarion call in Galatians 5:1. It reads: “Stand fast, therefore, in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” What an offer!

We were led to Christ by the law, which opened up its inadequacy to save us. The yoke of the law made us cry for a Saviour. Romans 3:20 shows: “Therefore, by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” All glory in the Bible centres on Jesus who did it for us. The Bible is Christocentric. As long as the Gospel of Christ is preached only one hero, Jesus Christ, is seen and manifested. No human hero will be evident at the grace message. Human hero worship is lack of sound biblical teaching. We have come to Christ to enjoy the liberty into which He has called us. Galatians 3:24-25: “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.” Much of what I have taught has come from the book of Galatians. This wasn’t an exposé or commentary on Galatians. Please further your knowledge by reading the whole book. Remember, grace and peace be multiplied to you through knowledge. You’re going somewhere.

All Bible quotations are from the King James Version.

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