Chapter 86 - Practice of Life

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God enacted the rule of law (law of sin and of death) on earth to lead the sinner to the Savior (Galatians 3:23-26). Its purpose is established or confirmed when the sinner arrives at faith in Christ and consequently is justified from sin. (Romans 3:31) Justification by grace through faith alone is an essential doctrine of the church. (Romans 3:21-22; 4:1-25; 5:12-21; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2 Corinthians 5:21)

Justified by grace through faith alone, the New Testament church has not only received forgiveness of all sin; past, present, and future, but an imputation of righteousness from Jesus Christ. Concordant with the imputation, the church was presented with an eternally binding declaration of righteousness. Therefore, the righteous requirement of the rule of law (“law of sin and of death”) was legally fulfilled in the New Testament church. (Romans 8:4a) The requirement of righteousness fulfilled within the church; it was released from the bondage of the rule of law. Forgiven of all sin, declared righteous, and “released” from the bondage of the law, the sinner has become legally suitable to share life with God.

The indwelling life (zoe) of God is received through the divine work of regeneration and spiritual birth. “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:12-13)

Worthy Walk

Although no longer under servitude to the rule of law, the New Testament church remains obligated to walk in a manner worthy of its eternal calling. (Ephesians 4:1; Colossians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:12) The worthy walk of the church is a gracious work of God.

Concordant with the redemptive work of Christ, the New Testament church experienced a radical inward transformation. It was made “obedient from the heart.” Thus, the New Testament church became obligated to God through the rule of life (zoe) by the “obedience of faith.” (Romans 1:5; 6:17; 8:4b-17; 16:26) Worthy of the eternal calling of God, the walk of the New Testament church is legally representative and organically representational of God on earth.

Although “released” from its bondage and futility, the rule of law is not without purpose to the New Testament church. While it has been forgiven of all sin; past, present, and future, the retains retains the ability to “rebuild” the rule of law and walk like the sinner. (1 Corinthians 3:1-4; Galatians 2:18) If the New Testament church chooses to walk like a sinner, the rule of law continues to operate according to its primary function. It reveals its sinful practice with the intent of leading to repentance. The repentance of the New Testament church, however, is different from the repentance of the sinner.

Under the rule of law (law of sin and of death), the sinner's repentance is from death to life (zoe). It is unto salvation. In contrast, the New Testament church has already received life (zoe). Therefore, its repentance under the rule of life (zoe) is not from death to life (zoe) but from law to life (zoe). It is the equivalent of turning from a walk of sight (feelings, circumstances) to one of faith.

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Practice of Life

There is no greater privilege than to be introduced to life (zoe), receive life (zoe), and enjoy the practice of life (zoe) in community. Therefore, it is a tragic mistake for the church to return to the practice of law. It is in fact a wretched (miserable) deviation from the eternal plan of God for His beloved bride.

By benefit of the Eternal Covenant, the practice of the early church was life (zoe) dependent. Therefore, it emphasized the living (zoe) Savior, fervent prayer, and apostolic teaching and tradition.

Congruent with apostolic teaching and tradition, the life (zoe) dependent practice of the New Testament church was not fulfilled through human effort but “by the Spirit.” It typically included the observance of the Lord’s Supper as a full, celebratory meal; purposeful prayer; participatory praise and worship in song; intentional community interaction; loving, spiritually gifted ministry; joyful giving; corrective spiritual discipline; cooperative discipleship; and team-oriented outreach. Consequently, the life (zoe) dependent practice of the New Testament church was a true celebration of life shared with God.

© 2025 James Hiatt

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