Four essentials effectively replace the law for a believer in Christ Jesus.

One of the greatest obstacles for the believer is to remain under the elemental principles of the world.

It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery Galatians 5:1.

Here’s the key to understand the place of the Law for a believer. The Law is not abolished (Matt 5:17), but needs to be re-placed. That is, set in a different place. Both Christ Jesus and Paul affirm the place of the law (Matt 5:17 and Romans 3:31), but what is that proper and Scriptural place?

Let me use the analogy of a cabinet with many shelves. If the Law stands on a prominent shelf, it needs be “re-placed,” ( moved) to a different shelf, a secondary shelf, in our mind, emotions and practice.

NOTE: This post deals with the Law of Moses, the Old Testament law and does not pertain to civil law.

The Law is good, if one uses it lawfully 1 Tim 1:8.

But you are not under law but under grace Rom 6:14. Let’s get practical . . .

What Are 4 Re-Placements for the Law in a Believer’s Life?

1 Faith Energized by Love Replaces the Law

In direct reference to the Law of Moses, Paul via the Spirit writes For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love Gal 5:6.

The Greek word used for work is “energew”, which means “to be operative, to be at work, to put forth power.”

This does not mean we can do whatever we want as long as we have faith; rather it means the one who has faith in Christ and is energized by love has the power to accomplish the will and pleasure of God.

2 Love Fulfills the Law and Thereby Replaces the Need for Law

For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.”

Let this statement strike with full impact. Here the Scripture proclaims in effect: If you have love for others, you don’t need the Law. in other words, genuine love replaces the Law, Genuine love replaces the 10 commandments and all other parts of the Old Code. Genuine love is the pathway to liberty.

3 Walk by the Holy Spirit

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.

And again in Galatians 5:18 for emphasis: <i>But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.</i>

The challenge for us as believers is to be led by the Spirit. How are you doing? Is it easier for you to follow a written guide than to follow the ethereal Holy Spirit? For most of us, the answer is “Yes, the written guide is easier.”

However, God has given HIs Holy Spirit for the very purpose that He (not an “It”) will coach us to such an extent that we can actually follow Him in the day-by-day affairs of life.

To deny the Spirit’s purpose of guidance is to make mockery of large amounts of Scripture.

God sent His Spirit to counsel and guide the believer. He expects us to be able o “hear” and follow the Holy Spiirt.

I’m still working on this. I can give examples of times I got this right. And times I’ve got it wrong. But the Scriptural fact remains: God has sent His Spirit to lead us, and if we are led by the Spirit, we are not under law.

4 The Crucified Life Replaces the Law

Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:24.

But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world Galatians 6:14.

How can we describe the “crucified life? “It is the life laid down by faith for Jesus Christ. It is an action we make by faith toward Jesus Christ. It is a willingness to give up our motives and desire to Him who went to the cross for us.

Here is Paul’s report: I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and]the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me Gal 2:20.

Let me give a couple examples of my journey toward a crucified life.

Some time ago, I felt God wanted me to prophesy in a meeting. I was scared so I did not prophesy. That is an example of a non-crucified life, where my will toppled His will.

More recently, I felt prompted to go to Doug’s house and invite him to church. As an example of a more crucified life, I went and invited him and his wife to church.

As you can tell, I’m still growing.

In Conclusion, How Can We Replace the Law?

The Law has a place in history and even in the life of a believer. The law is holy and the commandment is holy and righteous and good (Romans 7:12). But something greater than the Law is here. As believers and in order to live in freedom, we need to replace the law by faith, love, the Holy spirit and the cross of Christ. For you are not under Law, but under grace.