We live in an age were everyone has an opinion about everything and openly vocalizes them as though their opinion was the end word. Yet JESUS said that only one word, the Word of GOD really matters.
Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD (Matthew 4:4).
GOD was directing people to do things a certain way then in Numbers 15: 30-31- but the soul that presumptuously goes against what the LORD said (fully aware what GOD wanted and how it should be done) has despised (held in contempt) the Word of the LORD and will suffer consequences. Now this is true for both those under the Law and those in the New Covenant but there is a vast difference in how, where and when those consequences occur.
Those under the law must work to gain GOD’s favor. But they never can for they have to keep every part of the law or are guilty of breaking all of it with no means to be forgiven or cleansed from their sin.
For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all (James 2:10).
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23)
The purpose of the Law given through Moses was to show men GOD’s standard (HIS character) which would reveal their sin and their need of a Savior. It is called the law of sin and death.
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:1-2)
Does that mean a believer can just do as he wants with no consequences? Absolutely NOT!
Numbers 15: 30-31 applies to them as well : but the soul that presumptuously goes against what the LORD said (fully aware what GOD wanted and how it should be done) has despised (held in contempt) the Word of the LORD and will suffer consequences.
Let me explain through Scripture how that works.
For if we would judge ourselves (acknowledge our sin and confess it 1 John 1:9), we should not be judged. But when we are judged (when a believer in JESUS has sinned), we are chastened (or disciplined) of the LORD, THAT WE SHOULD NOT BE CONDEMNED with the world (1 Corinthians 11:31-32 ).
Those under the Law must suffer ETERNAL consequences for their sin in the lake of fire for they have refused GOD’s way to gain forgiveness and eternal life. However, since JESUS paid the eternal punishment for all sin any who CHOOSE to believe in HIM go from death to eternal life (John 3:16) while any who CHOOSE not to believe in JESUS have the wrath of GOD on them even now (John 3:36).
But believers in JESUS who sin will be disciplined by GOD on earth, during time (1 Corinthians 11:31-32). Since the all wise GOD’s ways always work (Isaiah 55:11), that discipline of the rebellious Christian ultimately will change that person to do right (Hebrews 12:11). This was guaranteed when GOD decreed that all those who love HIM will be conformed to the image of JESUS (take on JESUS’ nature of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, goodness kindness and the like) (Romans 8:28-29). Examples given in scripture show how extreme the discipline can get (1 Corinthians 5:5).
So, let’s read GOD Word and do what HE tells us to do and we will be blessed not disciplined.
I urge you in CHRIST’s stead to prayerfully consider these things and may the good LORD give you wisdom and understanding and keep you from deception (James 1:5, 1 Corinthians 2:10) as HE guides you with HIS peace (Colossians 3:15), strengthens you with HIS joy (Nehemiah 8:10), and enables you with HIS grace (Hebrews 4:16). Now may the GOD of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT” (Romans 15:13). Keep looking unto JESUS (Hebrews 12:2) and talk over your thoughts with HIM (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Hugs
Sharon L Manning
wakemyear 