Freedom's Foundation

Have you ever considered that rules come naturally to humans? Each person consciously or subconsciously constructs rules for themselves. The most savage nations have rules. Rules provide security.

A man may have the rule to give in to his lusts wherever they lead. A woman may have the rule to spend on whatever she sees.

Rules basically are a pattern on which our life is run. We have a code of acceptability. When someone else breaks the code that we keep, he or she is beneath us.

Non-Christians often scoff at religion because of the rules which it enforces, little realizing they have rules which they strictly follow.

The term addiction may be more accurate. When you think you are free from rules, you are most often bound by addictions, habits, compulsions. Self-gratification becomes your driving force.

In the book of Isaiah chapters 27-28, God contrasts two types of peace and security. The first is found in Him.

...let them come to Me for refuge;
let them make peace with Me,
yes, let them make peace with Me. (27:5)

But Israel neither fully rejected Him nor sought Him as their refuge and peace. Instead, they mocked the prophet. They said the same as people today, "God only binds us with rules."

But God reminds them that He had said to them, "'This is the resting place, let the weary rest'; and 'this is the place of repose'—but they would not listen." 

Because they would not find their rest in Him, God promised He would say, "Do and do, do and do, rule on rule, rule on rule" (v. 13). Resting in God would have freed them from disobedience. Seeking their own way, bound them in sin.

Instead of seeking God as their refuge, they created their own.

Therefore hear the word of 
Yahweh, you scoffers . . .
You boast, "We have entered into a 
covenant with death,
with the grave we have made an agreement.
When an overwhelming scourge sweeps by,
it cannot touch us,
for we have made a lie our refuge
and falsehood our hiding 
place. (28:12)

In contrast to the lie in which they seek security, God promises a Cornerstone, tested and precious, that will make a solid foundation. Those who build on this foundation will "never be dismayed." Those who trust in the lie, "hail will sweep away."

The apostles (1 Peter 2:6) recognized Jesus as the promised Cornerstone. He did not change from old covenant rules to only grace and love in the new covenant. He loves us enough to tell us how our life should should be lived.

Jesus said, 

If anyone loves Me, he will obey my teaching. (John 14:23a)

Drudgery comes in obeying rules, God's or those of the flesh, in our own strength and understanding. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we are free to obey.

The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. (John 14:26)

As a manufacturer clearly states the car only runs on gasoline, so our lives will not prosper on disobedience.

As a game has no beginning or end without rules, so our life must be guided by something. Only following the right rules will win you the game.

As an eagle is not bound in flight, so obedience gives wings to live the life God created for us.

You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. (Galatians 5:13)