Why the Law?

In our feel good society the full gospel isn’t being preached. A health, wealth, and prosperity “gospel” is being preached. Consider the consequences.  Two men were on an airplane. Both were given parachutes. One was told it would make his flight more comfortable, enjoyable and he would feel good. He was told in euphemistic terms he would be more fulfilled and happier if he wore it.

Putting it on he looked different, and to some people funny. Some started whispering about him and laughing at him. This plus it not fulfilling things promised made him want to take it off.

The second man given a parachute was told that he should put it on because in a few minutes all fuel on the plane would be exhausted and he would have to jump from 20,000 feet to save his life. 

The first man took his off feeling embarrassed because he was told something that wasn’t true. He was told it would make his flight more enjoyable and he would be happier with it on. It did not live up to the hype. 

Some people today say Jesus will make you healthier, wealthier, and more prosperous. Along come problems and difficulties and the person becomes disillusioned. He wants to put off Christ.

The second fellow in the flight knows why he needs the parachute. It is to save his live. A flight attendant might come along with a pot of steaming hot coffee and spill it all over the man. What does he do, simply say, “My, that is hot.” Yes, he does though in a more forceful manner. However, he won’t take off his chute. He didn’t put it on for comfort, but to save his life. He knows what is coming and he is ready. You couldn’t tear that chute off him. He knows it is essential for the inevitable jump. Having it on even makes him look forward to the jump.

People don’t want to be saved from danger until they know about it. They don’t want to escape danger until they see it.

It is at the “Sinai School for Successful Living” that we learn how to really live. The curriculum is simple: The Ten Commandments.

That is the purpose of the Ten Commandments. They identify sin for us. The Scripture says, “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life” (Romans 6: 23). That is in the book to exhort persons to put on the chute, Jesus Christ.            

Who needs to do so? Romans 3: 19 says one purpose of the law is that it might be known “all the world may become guilty.” Why? In order that they might know what is a reality whether they know it or not.  

Some aren’t willing to put on Jesus for the inevitable jump into eternity. Once you have, it even makes you look forward to the jump. Once you know why you need to trust Him no one can separate you from Him.

Galatians 3: 24, “Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” That is, the law teaches us our need for Christ.