Law and the Spirit
But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter (Rom 7:6).
At this juncture we need to understand the central role the Holy Spirit plays in the new covenant. Without this insight we will be left with nagging questions. Without His indwelling, we will be left longing for Sinai! When Jesus entered His ministry as the Covenant Messenger He was baptized in water by John, and
…while He was praying, heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove (Lk. 3:21,22).
From that point on we see Jesus being led by the Spirit and demonstrating all the gifts of the Spirit!
Jesus full of the Holy Spirit…was led about by the Spirit (Lk. 4:1). And Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit (Lk. 4:14). The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me (Lk. 4:18).
After the outpouring of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost we see the central role the Holy Spirit played in the church, God’s new covenant people. In Peter’s sermon he quotes Joel and says,
It shall be in the last days, God says, that I will pour forth of My spirit upon all mankind; and your sons and your daughters shall prophecy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; even upon My bondslaves, both men and women, I will in those days pour forth of My Spirit and they shall prophesy (Acts 2:17,18).
Peter proclaimed to the people,
Repent and let each one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and your children, and for all those who are far off, as many as the Lord our God shall call to Himself (Acts 2:38, 39).
The history of the new covenant church is a history of the working of the Holy Spirit. “Filled with the Holy Spirit,” they began “to speak the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31). The deacons were “full of the Holy Spirit” and they did “great wonders and signs among the people” (Acts 6:3,8). “The Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go up and join this chariot’” (Acts 8:29). “The Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away” (Acts 8:39). Ananias laid His hand upon Saul and he was filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:17). The disciples were comforted by the Spirit (Acts 9:31). By the Spirit they foretold coming events (Acts 11:28). The Spirit spoke to the church (Acts 13:4). Paul was “sent out by the Holy Spirit” (Acts 13:4). They were filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:52). By the power of the Holy Spirit the sick were healed, the dead were raised, demons were cast out and the power of the enemy was broken. Here we see the fulfillment of the promise of Jesus.
…He Himself will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and fire (Lk. 3:16).
I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you (Jn. 14:16,17).
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you (Jn. 14:26).
When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about Me (Jn. 15:26).
But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come (Jn. 16:13).
An accurate knowledge of the role of the Holy Spirit is funda- mental for a correct understanding of the new covenant and it is also necessary for a right interpretation of the Sabbath. The role the law filled in the old covenant is filled by the Holy Spirit in the new. Scripture compares and contrasts the law with the Spirit in many ways. A subtle example of this is seen in the events surrounding the giving of both covenants. After the law was given, the children of Israel immediately went into disobedience and fell under condemnation. They made a golden calf, worshipped it, sacrificed to it, and said, “This is your God, O Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt” (Ex. 32:8). Because of this sin “about three thousand men of the people fell that day” (Ex. 32:28). These three thousand were killed by their brothers at the command of God.
At the giving of the Spirit in the new covenant, on the other hand, we find a different and better outcome! “There were added that day about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41). I believe these numbers are recorded to point out the contrasting nature of the two covenants and show the relationship between the law and the Spirit.
Notice thoughtfully how the Holy Spirit takes the place of the law in Paul’s comparisons and contrasts between the old and new covenants in 2 Cor. 3:3−18.
| Old Covenant | New Covenant |
|---|---|
| Written with ink | Written with the Spirit |
| On tablets of stone | On tablets of the heart |
| Not of the letter | But of the Spirit |
| The letter kills | The Spirit gives life |
| Ministry of death | Ministry of the Spirit |
| Ministry of condemnation | Ministry of righteousness |
| Came with glory | Abounds in glory |
| Glory has faded away | Glory remains |
Unless the new covenant Christian understands the role of the Holy Spirit and experiences His presence, he will long for Sinai. It is only the indwelling and empowering of the Holy Spirit that can write the principles of the new covenant law of love on our hearts so that we have an ever-present Person who will teach us all things (Jn. 14:26), guide us into all truth (Jn. 16:13), and testify to us of Christ (Jn. 15:26). The old covenant law was external—written on stone. The new covenant law is internal—written on our hearts. The new covenant Lawgiver is present in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.
If anyone loves Me he will keep my word; and My Father will love Him, and We will come to him, and make Our abode with him (Jn. 14:23).
The Spirit, the Word and Prayer
Today the church has, to a large degree, bought into the western world view, which eliminates the supernatural. That is not the view of Scripture. The book of Acts, as well as the whole of Scripture, is filled with the supernatural working of the Holy Spirit. It is my belief that the New Testament Christian who rejects the present- day “gifting” of the Holy Spirit is not experiencing the fullness of new covenant life: a personal relationship with the indwelling Christ
…who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us (Eph. 3:20).
The Bible makes it clear that the Holy Spirit’s preferred way of working is though the word of God, the Bible. We believe that the Bible is the Spirit inspired word (logos) of God and as we prayerfully read and study it, The Holy Spirit speaks to us the living word (rhema) of God.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Eph. 6:17).
Those who seek to live by the “promptings of the Holy Spirit” without a corresponding study of the word of God and regular prayer place themselves in a position where they may think they are receiving specific direction from the Holy Spirit when, in reality, they are hearing from their own subconscious mind or wishful thinking. Sometimes we hear people saying, “God told me this” or “God told me that” and following these comments are statements that are incongruent with the written word.
While the work of the Holy Spirit cannot be boxed in or perfectly described, it is important that the Christian not try to live by the written word without the Holy Spirit as a guide to interpret it, nor to live by the Holy Spirit without allowing the Holy Spirit to speak through the written word.
How, then do we live?
In the book of Galatians we have the clearest teaching about the reign of law. It came in with Moses and ceased with Christ.1 Paul, under the direct guidance of the Holy Spirit, foresaw the questions some of the immature Christians in Galatia who had been sidetracked by a law-focus “gospel” would ask. Therefore, we have his clear answer to the implied question: “Paul, if we are not under the law anymore, then how do we live?” His answer is clear, powerful, and relevant to those of us who come from a law- centered religion. Read this section through in context and then we will clarify what is taught.
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self- control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another (Gal. 5:16–26).
The above section is so important that I want to comment on each key element:
Paul’s statement, “if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law” agrees perfectly with our findings thus far. To be led by the Spirit is to follow just where the Spirit leads. The Christian no longer needs an external set of rules if he is in step with the Holy Spirit and feeding on the Word of God coupled with a consistent prayer life.2
The struggle is not between the Christian and the law, as portrayed in Romans 7:7–24 where Paul depicts what life is like for the Christian who lives according to the old covenant. Rather, the war the Christian must fight is between the Spirit and the flesh. The outcome is determined by who is master of our lives: the Spirit or the flesh.
Paul does not define evil as transgression of the law because Christians are free from the law. Rather he defines evil as the deeds of the flesh. These deeds are the natural outgrowth if we follow the promptings of our fallen nature.
These “deeds of the flesh” Paul says “are evident”. The mature Spirit-filled Christian3 does not need to be told these are wrong. The Holy Spirit working in the conscience of the believer grounded in Scripture is a sufficient guide.
The deeds of the flesh
Now let us consider Paul’s list of the deeds of the flesh which can be subdivided into five categories:4
Sexual sins:
“Sexual immorality” would include adultery, sex outside of marriage or we might say the “natural sexual sins”.
“Impurity” would include the unnatural sexual sins such as homosexuality, lesbianism, incest and bestiality.
“Sensuality” has the overtones of portraying, even in public, an attitude of indifference or inappropriateness to the sexual sins and desires.
Loyalty sins:
“Idolatry” is allowing oneself to become infatuated and enamored with anything or anybody apart from Almighty God. This sin is rampant in the western world and in the church.
“Sorcery” has two basic connotations. The root word implies a use of drugs. Later the meaning of this word came to be used for any activity involved with the powers of evil including secret meetings with evil spirits. Today it would include a vast number of activities associated with the occult. Practicing sorcery is seeking power or guidance from some source—often evil—other than God. This would include Ouija boards, horoscopes, fortune tellers, books on extra-sensory perceptions, etc. All power is not of God!
Social or relationship sins:
“Enmities” are hostile negative feelings.
“Strife” refers to people taking sides, fighting wars of words, forming cliques and doing unloving acts.
“Jealousy” is seen when we envy others and often secretly hate them because they are perceived as being better than we are.
“Outbursts of anger” are hurtful words hastily spoken when strife and enmities are present.
“Disputes” refer to arguments as to who is right and who is wrong.
“Dissensions” reflect division, disloyalty and negative attitudes.
“Factions” are an outgrowth of the above works of the flesh when people align in groups and the groups then champion their own agenda without concern of others.
“Envying” is inordinate desire to possess what someone else has such as wealth, popularity, prestige, position and power, etc.
Self-control sins:
“Drunkenness” is abusing any substance to such a degree that it affects one’s thinking and/or hurts one’s self or others.
“Carousing” refers to activities such as wild parties which are often associated with people who are out of control and where unnecessary temptation and evil are present.
“And things like these.” Here Paul implies that this list could be greatly enlarged. However, he has been specific enough so that his readers will understand what he is speaking about.
We must also note Paul’s clear warning against those who make it a practice to give in to the deeds of the flesh. He did not say that they will go to heaven but just not get the same rewards as those who do not do such deeds of the flesh. Rather, he said, “as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” In other words, those who make it a practice to follow the deeds of the flesh are not genuine Christians. They are not controlled by the Holy Spirit. They have another lord and master. Within the new covenant there is no open door to “living in sin” and having the assurance of salvation. True, we all fall short, but our loyalty to God is seen as we keep in step with the Holy Spirit residing in our lives and not following the flesh.
The fruit of the Spirit
Having outlined the deeds of the flesh, Paul now turns to the fruit of the Spirit that will be manifest in the genuine Christian’s life.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law (Gal. 5:22,23).
Here is another insight worth underlining. The new covenant law can be summed up in one basic overarching principle.
This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you (Jn. 15:12).
In Galatians we find that the fruit (singular) of the Spirit is manifest first in love. We love because He first loved us. Here is the guideline for new covenant living! While the “gifts” of the Spirit are given severally as the Spirit wills, all are to participate in the fruit of the Spirit. These virtues are a greater evidence of the Spirit’s control than any of the more spectacular gifts as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12, 14.
Let’s examine the wonderful thing called the fruit of the Spirit. We will note that all the aspects of the fruit of the Spirit are supernatural and are outside the realm of personal achievement without the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.
“Love” is agape love—a selfless love that loves not for its own sake but for the sake of the other person who needs our love. It is a sacrificial love, an unconditional love and a never ending love. It is a wholesome attitude toward others that results in positive actions and is supremely modeled by Christ.
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8).
Walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us… (Eph. 5:2)
This love is not a natural love that can be worked up; it is truly a “fruit of the Spirit”.
…the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us (Rom. 5:5).
“Joy” is an inner attitude of cheerfulness that is not dependent upon circumstances. It is a supernatural joy often expressed in the very face of persecution and difficulty.
But the Jews incited the devout women of prominence and the leading men of the city, and instigated a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. But they shook off the dust of their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:50–52).
But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all (Phil. 2:17).
“Peace” is an inner contentment and serenity of mind. It is what I call “living the eternal kind of life.” It is knowing that we are saved and that no matter what happens to us, we will be with Christ. It is experiencing eternal life NOW. Peace is the assurance that everything is right between us and God. It is a supernatural gift of the gospel. It is peace with God.
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:1).
It is also the peace of God.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:7).
“Patience” is the endurance that waits hopefully for God’s timing. It is a divine quality that allows us to endure other people and their offensive actions without these circumstances triggering the deeds of the flesh and causing us to retaliate. It is seeing those who cause us frustration or real hurt as needing our offer of forgiveness and our prayer of encouragement.
The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance (2 Pet. 3:9).
The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged (2 Tim. 2:24).
Patience is tested not just when we have to wait for something, patience is also demonstrated when we have been wronged and do not react to the one who wronged us.
“Kindness” is not only an attitude that wishes others well, but a divine quality that moves us to positive actions which are appre- ciated by others.
Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? (Rom. 2:4).
It will be the supernatural quality of kindness expressed to others that will point them to our kind God.
“Goodness” is a divine quality that motivates us to be good people. Good people avoid hurting others and seek the good of all.
The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil (Mt. 12:35).
In the quotation of Jesus above, it is clear that the heart must be renewed by the Holy Spirit. It is the “new man” that must be present on the inside before we can bring something good from the heart. In its unregenerate condition the heart is desperately wicked and unclean.
“Gentleness” is a divine quality that is careful not to cause hurt or harm. It is a quality that is needed when we seek to restore others.
Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted (Gal. 6:1).
Gentleness has a long reach—even if anyone is caught in any trespass he/she is to be treated with a spirit of gentleness!
“Self-control” is an all encompassing virtue given by the Spirit. A self-controlled person is not one to have outbursts of anger or disputes. Self-control allows one to be truly free—free to choose how he/she will respond to varying and adverse circumstances rather than be controlled by unbridled passions and lusts. A self- controlled person is a mature person, one who needs few, if any, external laws to govern behavior.
Paul concludes this section by saying,
…against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Gal. 5:23–25.
It becomes patently clear that one who walks by the Spirit does not need the old covenant law to govern external behavior for he has the internal guide and power of the Holy Spirit. Life in the Spirit is mature life—a life lived by a few overarching principles taught by Christ and interpreted and applied by the grace and power of the Holy Spirit. Thoughtfully look over the list of the deeds of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. They cannot coexist! Both are expressions of the inner man, or heart. Either one is motivated by the flesh or by the Spirit. Yes, indeed, life in the Spirit produces righteousness far beyond the law! Now it becomes clear how and why the Spirit replaces the function of old covenant law in the life of the believer!
Chapter Summary
- The Holy Spirit plays an indispensable role in the life of a Christian teaching him “all things,” “testifying about Christ”, “guiding into all truth.” And “disclosing what is to come.”
- In the new covenant the Holy Spirit plays much the same role as did the law in the old covenant.
- The Holy Spirit actually indwells the believer and there is the secret of life in the Spirit.
- If a Christian is led by the Spirit he/she is not under the dominion of old covenant law.
- Paul defines evil, not as transgression of the law, but as the deeds of the flesh.
- The deeds of the flesh are “evident” to a Spirit led Christian.
- The fruit of the Spirit is a supernatural manifestation of thequalities of love.
- The Holy Spirit indwelling the believer is a better guide torighteous living than old covenant law.
- The Holy Spirit works in conjunction with the word of God,the Bible.
- The Holy Spirit not only guides the believer but supplies thepower to live the Christian life.
Endnotes
- Gal. 3:15–29.
- To whet your appetite for a consistent devotional life of prayer, Bible study and listening to God I highly recommend Tom Elliff, A Passion for Prayer, (Crossway Books, Wheaton, IL, 1998), and Bill Hybles, To Busy Not to Pray, (InterVarsity Press, Downers Grove, IL, 1988).
- i.e. Genuine Christian who allows the Holy Spirit to reign in his life.
- Some of the insights presented here were gathered from Clinton Chisholm’s excellent tape set, “The Christian and the Mosaic Law.”
- 26. Assembling and Resting - September 4, 2025
- 25. The Sabbath and Seventh-day Adventists - August 28, 2025
- 24. Sabbath Arguments - August 21, 2025