Does Forgiveness Free Us From Obedience?

Is the forgiven sinner now free to transgress God's law? Says Paul: “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.” “How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” John declares: “This is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” In the new birth the heart is brought into harmony with God, into accord with His law. When this change has taken place in the sinner he has passed from death unto life, from transgression and rebellion to obedience and loyalty. The old life has ended; the new life of reconciliation, faith, and love has begun. Then “the righteousness of the law” will “be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” The language of the soul will be: “O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.” Romans 3:31; 6:2; 1 John 5:3; Romans 8:4; Psalm 119:97.GrH_c 26.7

Without the law, men have no true conviction of sin and feel no need of repentance. They do not realize their need of the atoning blood of Christ. The hope of salvation is accepted without a radical change of heart or reformation of life. Thus superficial conversions abound, and multitudes join the church who have never been united to Christ.GrH_c 27.1