Chapter 49 - From Life to Death

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The New Testament church was released from the jurisdiction of the "law of sin" by the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Ignorant of its release, however, the well-intentioned church typically chooses to return to the "law of sin." To the flesh, it can appear familiar, comfortable, and at times, even empowering. However, any apparent benefit is short-lived.

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Return to the Law of Sin?

There are a number of important truths that must be ignored for the church to subject itself once again to the "law of sin." For example, it must ignore the foundational teaching of the Bible, the historic testimony of Scripture, the biblical purpose of law, the need for intimacy with God, and the personal testimony of the indwelling Spirit. Further, the church that chooses to again subject itself to the "law of sin" must be uninformed regarding the schemes of the devil, theological presupposition, and the failures of its own history.

First, the church that chooses to return to the rule of law has ignored the foundational teaching of the Bible. Among other things, it has demonstrated a fundamental ignorance of the gospel of grace.

Second, the church that chooses to return to the "law of sin" has ignored the historic testimony of Scripture. It clearly reveals mankind’s inability to obey the "law of sin."

Third, the church that chooses to return to the "law of sin" has ignored the biblical purpose of the law, its strict requirement of perfect obedience, and the powerlessness of its sin weakened flesh. Instead, despite its sin-weakened flesh, it has chosen to believe that it can obey the "law of sin" in cooperation with the Spirit.

Fourth, the church that chooses to return to the "law of sin" has failed to recognize the fundamental character of law. By nature, it is cold and impersonal and therefore, not conducive for nurturing intimate fellowship. Thus, the law-based church is not characterized by the warmth of living (zoe) fellowship. Rather than inviting, hospitable, gracious, loving, and spiritually edifying, its fellowship is typically legalistic, impersonal, inflexible, and formal.

Fifth, the church that chooses to return to the "law of sin" must ignore the personal testimony of the indwelling Spirit. (Romans 8:2, 16) He provides testimony that the church is not comprised of employees forced to work for God. Instead, it is an assembly of the children of God. They are privileged to cooperate with Him according to the "law of God," the gracious, intimate rule of indwelling life (zoe). (Romans 8:3-16)

Sixth, the church that chooses to return to the "law of sin" has ignored one of the most common schemes of the devil. It has believed the lie that the righteousness of Christ has not been imputed. Therefore, the church remains in need of righteousness it believes it can achieve by obedience to the "law of sin." As a result, the church is characterized by the deadness of legalistic, religious devotion. Thus, it is effectively lifeless (zoe).

Seventh, the church that chooses to return to the "law of sin" has valued theological presupposition over Scriptural truth. Consequently, it does not depend on the Spirit of God for biblical interpretation but its own personal understanding (John 7:37-39; 14:16-17; 26; 15:26; Romans 8:26; 1 John 2:27)

Eighth, the church that chooses to return to the "law of sin" must ignore its own personal history. It provides a clear record of the transgression of the "law of sin" before and after redemption. As a result, the church should clearly understand that it cannot attain the standard of perfect righteousness through works of self-effort.

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Law and Life

In addition to the aforementioned, the church that chooses to subject itself to the "law of sin" is ignorant about the biblical difference between law and life (zoe):

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Law and Life Contrasted

The “law of sin” was established on earth for benefit of the sinner. It serves to reveal sin (transgression of law) in mankind. (Romans 3:20; 7:7) Thus, the “law of sin” clarifies to fallen humanity it has transgressed the standard of divine righteousness. In contrast, the “law of God,” the rule of life (zoe), was established on earth for benefit of the saint. It was designed to reveal Christ in mankind. (Colossians 1:27) As a result, the “law of God” clarifies to redeemed mankind it has been forgiven of all sin (transgression of law).

The “law of sin” was not designed to make the sinner acceptable to God but to reveal that he is not acceptable to God. Consequently, it is intended to lead him to the Savior so he can be made acceptable to God. (Galatians 3:24) In contrast, the “law of God” was provided for the benefit of the saint, the one made acceptable to God by faith in the Savior.

The "law of sin" is “holy and righteous and good.” Designed to reveal sin, however, it is a “ministry” of death and condemnation. (2 Corinthians 3:7, 9, Galatians 3:24) In contrast, the "law of God" is the ministry of the Spirit of life (zoe). (Romans 8:1-2; 2 Corinthians 3:6, 8). It is characterized by life (zoe) in the highest without condemnation.

For the saint, the attempt to obey the "law of sin" leads to wretchedness or misery. (Romans 7:24) In contrast, the "law of God," the rule of life (zoe), inspires thankfulness for the finished work of God in Christ. (Romans 7:25)

The "law of sin" can only produce the performance of dead works for God. They are foundational for the impersonal practice of religion for God and contrary to His will for mankind. (Romans 7:14-24; cf. Hebrews 6:1; 9:14) In Contrast, the “law of God,” the rule of indwelling life (zoe) can only produce living (zoe) works. In agreement with the will of God, they are the outcome of intimate fellowship with God. (Romans 8:1-17)

The "law of sin" has a strict requirement of righteousness. The justice of God demands its requirement to be fulfilled by every human being. However, it necessitates perfect obedience. Therefore, the righteous requirement of the "law of sin" cannot be accomplished by imperfect human beings. It can only be satisfied for mankind by the grace of God. Jesus Christ fully satisfied the requirement of the "law of sin" by His earthly lifetime of perfect obedience. In contrast, the "law of God" also has a strict requirement. It too demands righteousness. The righteous requirement of the "law of God" was also satisfied by Jesus Christ. By His redemptive death and resurrection, the New Testament church was forgiven of all transgression of the "law of sin"; past, present, and future, provided with an imputation (credit) of His righteousness, and therefore, presented with an eternally binding declaration of righteousness. As a result, the church became legally suitable to receive an impartation of new, divine life (zoe) (manifested by the indwelling Spirit of Christ), and the promise of a new, sinless, heavenly body suited for future existence in eternity. (Romans 8:3-4; 23; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Colossians 2:13-14; Titus 2:14; 1 John 1:7, 9; 5:11-12; etc.) As a result, the New Testament church was obligated to God by the "law of God," the intimate, gracious rule of His indwelling life (zoe).

The "law of sin" was designed to lead to bondage. (Romans 7:6) In contrast, the "law of God" provides freedom. (John 8:36; Galatians 5:1)

The "law of sin" is not conducive for nurturing intimacy with God. (1 Timothy 1:8-10) Characterized by dead works of service and thus, unfulfilling labor for God, it is demanding and exhausting. In contrast, the "law of God" was designed to nurture intimacy between God and mankind. Characterized by rest and joy, it is gracious, loving, and benevolent. (Matthew 11:28-30; Romans 8:1-17; Hebrews 3:12-4:16) Rather than for God, the "law of God," the rule of life (zoe), is fulfilled with God through cooperation of human faith.

The "law of sin" is contrary to divine grace. It demands performance. Consequently, the "law of sin" rewards obedience and punishes disobedience. Relative to its demand for performance, the motive for attempting to satisfy its requirement of righteousness is fear, the fear of failure and punishment. In contrast, the intimate presence of the indwelling life (zoe) of Christ, His perfect love, and the gracious rule of His life (zoe) provide the motive for the New Testament church to “walk in a manner worthy.” (cf. Ephesians 4:1; Colossians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:12; 1 John 4:18)

Relative to the presence and power of the indwelling principle of sin (sin nature), the righteous requirement of the "law of sin" cannot be fulfilled by the sinner. Therefore, the sinner, always attempting to please God through self-obedience, is characterized by unfinished business. He is always working and yet never arriving. In contrast, the righteous requirement of the “law of sin” perfectly fulfilled by the earthly obedience of Jesus Christ, the saint is privileged to enjoy the rest of faith.

The "law of sin" empowers the indwelling principle of sin (sin nature) in mankind. (1 Corinthians 15:56) As a result, human life is focused on the misery of self, sin, failed performance, guilt, and condemnation. (Romans 7:14-20) In contrast, the "law of God" empowers the Spirit of Christ in mankind. Therefore, human life is focused on Jesus Christ.

The "law of sin" involves trying. In contrast, the "law of God" involves trusting.

The "law of sin," the “law of sin and of death,” can be illustrated in a number of ways. For example, it can be illustrated by life on a treadmill, ever running alone and never arriving anywhere; an employee who works for God; and a constantly working factory. In contrast, the "law of God," the “law of the Spirit of life (zoe) in Christ Jesus; the law of the living (zoe), can be illustrated by life shared with Christ. It is already across the finish line; like a child resting in his father’s arms; and like a garden, characterized by organic growth through the perfect provision of God.

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The "law of sin" was created for the governance of the dead. Designed to reveal and suppress sin, it is contrary to life (zoe). It was established for the sinner who is eternally separated from God and thus, walks in the darkness. In contrast, the "law of God" exists for the governance of the living (zoe). Designed to reveal and emphasize Jesus Christ, it is conducive for life (zoe). The "law of God" was established for those who are eternally joined to God through the redemptive work of Christ and thus, walk in the Light. It is a privilege that only the saint can enjoy.

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Law School

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

The church that chooses to return to the "law of sin" is predestined to fail. However, its failure is not without purpose in the plan of God. Some have referred to the failure of the law-based church and how God can use it for good as “law school.”

The Apostle Paul provided his own personal insight into the privilege and pain of “law school.” (Romans 7:1-25) As previously indicated, his early Christian life was characterized by an attempt to fulfill the righteous requirement of the "law of sin." Ignorant that Christ had already fulfilled its requirement, Paul continually subjected himself to the "law of sin" from which he had been graciously released.

Although Paul believed that the "law of sin" would allow him to “bear fruit for God,” he soon discovered that it would only allow him to bear “fruit for death.” (Romans 7:4-5) He explained, “…this commandment, which [I thought] was to result in life (zoe), proved to result in death for me ..." (Romans 7:10)

Paul’s legalistic fruitlessness was not related to a lack of willingness. He was indeed willing to obey the "law of sin." However, Paul discovered that the presence of his sin-weakened flesh served to compromise his effort. “For we know that the law [of sin] is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to [my sin nature]. For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the law [of sin], confessing that the law [of sin] is good. So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but [my sin nature] which dwells in me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but [my sin nature] which dwells in me. I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good.” (Romans 7:14-21) Concerning his return to the "law of sin" and his subsequent failure to obey, the Apostle Paul concluded, “Wretched (miserable) man that I am!” (Romans 7:24)

God did not allow Paul to “graduate” from “law school” until it had served its purpose. It was intended to reveal the impossibility of fulfilling the righteous requirement of the "law of sin" by human effort.

Weakened by his sinful flesh, Paul’s unsuccessful attempts to obey the "law of sin" led only to the wretchedness or misery of condemnation. (cf. Romans 8:1) It was caused by an unending cycle of dead works and the consequent guilt of failure to perform according to the divine standard of perfection.

Through his “law school” experience, Paul was privileged to understand the grace of God more fully. As a result, he joyfully proclaimed, “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:25)

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Duty, Debt and Death

Relative to the purpose for which it was originated, the "law of sin," the “law of sin and of death,” is a ministry of duty, debt, and death. (2 Corinthians 3:7, 9) Consequently, the church that chooses to subject itself to the rule of law is “wretched” or miserable. (cf. Romans 7:24)

The "law of sin" demands performance. It condemns poor performance and rewards good performance. Therefore, the church that chooses to return to the "law of sin" emphasizes performance or duty. (cf. Romans 7:14-25) It is consumed with how to please God through personal effort rather than resting in its perfect acceptance in Christ. Instead of enjoying the glorious intimacy and fruitfulness of walking with God through the "law of God," the gracious rule of His indwelling life (zoe), the church that chooses subjection to the "law of sin" is characterized by performance for God.

In addition, the church that chooses to return to the "law of sin" emphasizes debt. It lives as though the debt of transgression has not been paid in full by Jesus Christ. (John 19:30; Colossians 2:14) Mistakenly thinking that the church must pay what Christ apparently left unpaid, the legalistic church is consumed with working for God.

Moreover, the church that chooses to return to the "law of sin" emphasizes death. According to the Apostle Paul, the "law of sin" is a ministry of death and condemnation. (2 Corinthians 3:7, 9) It was designed to reveal the sinful, fallen nature of man that is dead to God, “hostile” toward Him,” and not pleasing to Him. (Romans 8:7-8) Consequently, the church self-subjected to the "law of sin" is practicing without life (zoe). Thus, it is effectively dead.

In practice, the law-based church emphasizes the religion of duty, debt, and death. Although gloriously chosen before the foundation of the world to be representational of divine life (zoe) it serves as little more than a failed representative of divine law.

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Law Bound Church

Sadly, the modern religious church is law-bound. As indicated, it is the result of ignorantly choosing to self-subject to the "law of sin" rather than the "law of God" and thus, the indwelling life (zoe) of the Savior.

The law-bound church does not emphasize the living (zoe) Savior, His finished redemptive work, and gracious rule of life (zoe). Its practice simply emphasizes the "law of sin."

The "law of sin," however, cannot make the law-bound church legally suitable with God. It can only accomplish the purpose for which it was created, to reveal sin (transgression of law).

Occupied with the "law of sin," the law-bound church presents an environment that is legalistic, cold and austere. It is largely uninviting to the world and even to its own members. Whether recognized or not, the members of the law-bound church often associate their church experience with little more than a legalistic, miserable struggle between right and wrong. (cf. Romans 7:24) Therefore, they attend religiously because of a sense of moral obligation rather than gathering with their brothers and sisters to experience life (zoe) with Christ.

The law bound church is lifeless (zoe). As a result, its “services” are largely unattractive. They are not perceived as loving or caring. Instead, they are commonly viewed as as judgmental, merely serving to tell the world what it should and should not do.

Perfect Savior

The law-bound church frequently underestimates the fullness of Christ’s redemptive work. Consequently, it is unaware He fulfilled the righteous requirement of the "law of sin," it was released from the jurisdiction of the "law of sin," and obligated to God by the "law of God," the gracious, intimate rule of His indwelling life (zoe).

Like the "law of sin," the "law of God" accomplishes its intended purpose. Rather than revealing sin, however, the rule of life (zoe) serves to reveal the Savior of the New Testament church, the mediator of the redemptive Eternal Covenant, and its advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ.

When willingly obligated to God by His indwelling life (zoe) rather than His external law, the church is not merely representative of divine law, the "law of God," but also representational of divine life (zoe). Therefore, rather than legalistic, cold and austere, its gatherings are characterized by the beauty of divine love, warmth, and freedom. It is what the world is seeking.

Life or Death

By the precious blood of the Eternal Covenant, the New Testament church was bought with an unparalleled price, made legally suitable to be joined to the living (zoe) God in an intimate union of shared life, and released from the bondage of the “law of sin.” Living in the freedom of shared life with God according to the gracious “law of God” is the pinnacle of human existence.

Nevertheless, the law-based church chooses to self-subject to the “law of sin.” Sadly, it is nothing more than a miserable attempt to please God by the self-resurrection and subsequent works of the old, dead, foul-smelling flesh and thus, the equivalent of returning from life (zoe) to death.

“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life (zoe); it is these that testify about Me; and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life (zoe).” (John 5:39-40)

© 2025 James Hiatt

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