THE LAW OF LOVE
“He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how
shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Romans
8:32
Essentially, law is that which governs one’s actions whether it be inward
or outward. The best illustration of this that I know is the moving
cause of the incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ - 1John 4:10
“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and
sent His Son the Propitiation for our sins.” The love of God in
Christ our Redeemer is the moving cause of the elect’s salvation. The
law that sent Christ into the world to save sinners is the law of love.
Likewise, the believer’s love for Christ is the motivation of his work
of faith and labor of love. All else done in the name of Christ in religion
is nothing more than a servile law with hope of reward or fear of punishment.
Whatever we do, if love for Christ is not the moving cause, it is done
in self-righteousness and for vain glory. Many, I fear, do what they
do, whether little or much, because they feel that it is a duty, or
out of necessity, or so that they can feel good about themselves. These
usually put limits and restraints upon themselves fearing that they
might short themselves in some way. Where there is no love for Christ,
the pleasures, comforts and security of the flesh will have preeminence.
This is true in every area of one’s life whether it is the study of
God’s Word, attending the worship services, giving, bearing others burdens
and in every area of commitment. When God saves sinners He gives them
a heart like His heart, a heart of love. The children of God, all of
them that have been regenerated by His Spirit, has a desire for, a love
for, Christ, His gospel, their brothers and sisters, that moves them
in kindness, tenderness, and generosity, without any regard for reward
or fear of loss. This is a Spiritual matter, a matter of the heart that
God alone can govern, and that He does by His sovereign, eternal love.
“…the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost
which is given unto us” Romans 5:5
Tommy
