Romans 7:6: Now We Are Released From The Law, Having Died To That Which Held Us Captive

Romans 7:6
[6] But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code. (ESV)

When Jesus came the Earth the "spiritual leaders" had a really hard time with him. He was speaking of a new way to be made right with God. This new way was in Him! The Jews had only known the Old Testament Law for many centuries. Jesus had more authority than the Law because he was before the Law. He was the author of the Law. And in his life and death he fulfilled the Law for us.

The Law had rules and obligations. There were judgments and punishments for those who broke the Law. Before a person took too many steps on a Sabbath day they were thinking about whether or not they would be breaking the Law. Eating a ham sandwich was not going to happen. Ever. A person's life was regulated by the Law.

Imagine what would happen to a person who was bound by the Law if they no longer had to follow all of the ceremonial Laws? Imagine if they were given the privilege to worship God truly from the heart without a fear of breaking the Law? It might sound delightful, but it was also very strange to these new recipients of the grace of God in Jesus Christ.

There was no way that anyone was going to serve in this new way if not for the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. That is an exciting reality for all of us. We have the Holy Spirit to help us serve the Savior. Our natural man cannot do it. But we have died to the Law, been reborn of the Spirit, and are now free to serve the Savior with his help.

Are you living a life of fear of punishment? That is not the way of the Spirit. Look to the Holy Spirit to help you live a godly life. He will empower you to serve in this new way.