Chapter 88 - Practice of Life

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

God enacted the "law of sin" ("law of sin and of death") 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 is divinely transformed into a saint. (Romans 3:31)

The “law of sin” was established on earth to reveal its transgression. The New Testament church, however, has been justified from all sin; past, present, and future. Therefore, the rule of divine law, manifested through the demanding “law of sin” is superfluous for the church. Consequently, it was released from its jurisdiction (authority) and transferred to the jurisdiction of divine life (zoe), manifested through the gracious “law of God.”

The “law of sin” was not established on earth to facilitate intimacy with God but only to reveal its transgression. In contrast, the eternal “law of God” is conducive for the practice of shared life and thus, intimate, shared life fellowship with God.

The practice of life (zoe) shared with God is not fulfilled by man living for God. It is satisfied by God with man through His indwelling presence. The role of mankind is to live dependently by grace through faith alone.

Worthy Walk

Although no longer under servitude to the "law of sin," 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 "law of God," 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 "law of sin" 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 "law of sin" and walk like the sinner. (1 Corinthians 3:1-4; Galatians 2:18) If the New Testament church chooses to do so, the "law of sin" continues to operate according to its primary function. It reveals the practice of sin 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 "law of sin" ("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 "law of God," 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 by human effort through obedience to the “law of sin.” Instead, the living (zoe) practice of the church obligated the “obedience of faith” in regard to the “law of God.” As directed “by the Spirit,” it often 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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