Old Way vs. New Way

“But now that we're no longer shackled to that domineering mate of sin, and out from under all those oppressive regulations and fine print, we're free to live a new life in the freedom of God. ” (Romans 7:6 MSG)

Religious regulations can be used to codify and teach moral behavior to the masses and keep order in society. When done well, religion can provide us with guidelines to grow spiritually. Like scaffolding during the construction phase, it gives structure and support as we build our faith up. However, we are meant to eventually be able to stand firm on the foundation of Christ. Churches are filled with seekers who later become believers. Many are content to stagnate at this level. Believing in God is good; knowing and experiencing God is even better.

The ‘Old Way’ of religion requires obeying rules and doing good deeds in an attempt to earn a spot in heaven. There is a strong craving to sin--to want our own way. Motivated by self-interest, we try to manage our temptations through self-discipline. However, we are no longer married to the old way which was dominated by our sinful nature. Instead, our commitment to Christ has given us a new identity and a new way of living. We don’t do anything because we ‘should’; we love and serve God because we ‘want’ to do so. We accept grace instead of trying to earn it. We are motivated by love and are eager to yield to God and be led by His Spirit.