The Royal Law

Laws are always made by the one who has the greatest power. We know that our God is the supreme power that reigns over everything else in existence. The Almighty rules from a beautiful throne surrounded by many pure beings. Thankfully, He has made many declarations concerning the salvation of fallen humans. His second law is one that facilitates the governing of the eternal family. This important law says “love your neighbor.”

The book of James is a place where we see this majestic law. Scripture says: Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law. James 2:8-9 (NLT). It is impossible to over emphasize the importance of keeping t his law. This Royal Law is the heart of God’s family. 

Many believers think this command is optional. They act as if salvation is only between God and themselves. We must remember that Christians are all joined together in the Spirit. The same passage says: There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you. James 2:13 (NLT). Here we are told that our forgiveness depends on how we love others. 

Having God show us mercy should be important to us. John was loved by Jesus and he had much to say about love. We see that love involves the Spirit: …if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us. And God has given us his Spirit as proof that we live in him and he in us.  1 John 4:12-14 (NLT). Our love demonstrates that the eternal Spirit of God is living in us and making us part of His family.

Knowledge of God’s first royal law (love God with all your heart) is necessary because we cannot keep any of the law until we have the desire to love God. Developing a relationship with the Spirit gives us many things. Paul said: Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16 (NLT). Being a part of God’s temple means that we are part of something that is alive. 

To be part of the temple of God is not just figurative. Being included in what God is building for eternity involves us in something which requires us to have a new life. We are allowed to hold a position of eternal importance. The Scripture days: You are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. 1 Peter 2:5 (NLT). We do not know what we shall be. 

Good stewardship is required when we receive this important work. Peter said: You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9 (NLT). Showing others the love of God is the important royal work we have been called to do. The beauty of this is that everything in a life yielded to God is within the royal laws.

Revealing of Life

For thousands of years our knowledge of life has been growing. There is more understanding of the truth about life today than ever before. Over time the learning of one person is added on to another and the information stacks-up. The truthful sum of information will always lead people to God. It should be obvious that humans must honor Him because the Almighty is worth far more than the sum of everything He has created.  

Creation originated with God. In His eternal existence He has created everything. There is no other place that life will ever come from. People must go to the source of life if they want to learn more about their existence. God gave humans only one book and it contains more information than we will ever understand. Foolish people don’t read the book. Life will exist forever but the truth about Heaven or Hell is in God’s book.

Intellectual people have the hardest time understanding the truth about life. The Scriptures confirm this: O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way! Matt 11:25-26 (NLT). God did this so that only the people who came by simple faith could join His eternal family. 

Humans are proud of their knowledge and we receive physical rewards for our expertise. However the gifts of God are received without our capabilities. The Bible says: …insight into this plan regarding Christ. God did not reveal it to previous generations, but now by his Spirit he has revealed it to his holy apostles and prophets. Eph 3:4-5 (NLT). The same Spirit that inspired Bible writers will reveal truth to faithful readers. 

Our life from God is explained in the Bible but the revealing we need for salvation is given to us when we have faith in Jesus. Paul said: When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths. 1 Cor 2:13 (NLT). Learning the ways of God is not related to our wisdom but to faith in the Savior. 

The Spirit of God is teaching each Christian what they are like on the inside. The Spirit does this by showing us the righteousness of God so we observe the contrast. We need this because all humans fail to see the complete truth about themselves. All true revelation is done by the Spirit of God because He loves us. Nothing can be hidden from God and it is easy for Him to know what we need in our lives. 

Paul would many times leave a new group of believers behind on his missionary journeys. He was always concerned that they might be distracted by worldly things. Every day he would spend time praying for the Spirit to continue their growth. He prayed: I am …asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. Eph 1:17 (NLT). We can trust the Lord to teach us about life.