Jan
13
2010
No more “. . . or else.”
“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.” Galatians 3:13
What is the curse of the law? It is the or-else-ness of the law: “Do this, or else.” Christ took the or-else-ness of the law onto himself at the cross, so that there is no more or-else for anyone in Christ, as God looks upon us now. Or-else is gone forever from your relationship with God.
“We, being delivered from these everlasting terrors and anguish through Christ, shall enjoy an everlasting and inestimable peace and happiness.”
Martin Luther, commentary on Galatians 3:13.
11 Comments
Dr. Ortlund,
I really appreciate this post. I have to ask, though, what we do with Jesus’ commands (e.g. follow me and live, or else don’t follow me, keep your life, and die.)? They seem to be “or-else” too. Looking forward to your comments.
Thanks, brother!
Thanks, Jeremy. As I understand it, the Lord is clarifying the nature of true faith and repentance. He is not intensifying the law but describing how the new birth changes us. That change is not optional. But neither is it of the nature of legal compliance.
[...] From Ray Ortlund: [...]
Thanks for the clarification, Dr. Ortlund!
Jeremy, I should have ended that, “. . . legal compliance under threat of rejection,” for my thought to be more complete.
If what Jesus is giving is a discription of the new birth, how are we to understand the nature of our responsibility to obey them?They (the commands) seem to be adressed to unconverted people.
just writing to say thank you for always encouraging us with what gives true encouragement. Thanks. I think there would be a lot more comments, but I think a lot of us close the computer and go to prayer after reading….
[...] Inestimable Peace and Happiness 14 01 2010 The following comes from Ray Ortlund’s Blog, Christ is Deeper Still: [...]
Hey thanks Ray: I’m preaching on Gal 3 6-14 this Sunday! Love the end of the ‘or-else-ness’
Julian Hardyman
[...] Ray Ortlund “Christ is Deeper Still” blog post Jan. 13, 2010 Published [...]
I’m so glad, Julian. God bless you tomorrow!