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191 Legalism and Judgmentalism.
In my last post, “190 Are Christians under the Law of Moses,” I said that the Bible teaches that Jesus fulfilled the Law. Matthew 5:17, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.”
This means that the Law is now outdated because Jesus completed its purpose. The Law has been replaced by grace, Hebrews 8:13, “In that He says, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.”
Jesus fulfilled the Law by living in perfect obedience, demonstrating the righteousness no one else could achieve. Through His death, He became the final sacrifice for sin! 2 Corinthians 5:21,” For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. Where the Law exposed guilt, Jesus brought grace and truth; John 1:17, “For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
You might ask what does “Jesus fulfilled the Law” mean? Here is a practical example: suppose you borrow a sum of money and agree to pay a portion each week until it is paid in full. What happens when the debt is paid in full? Do you continue to make payments each week, or do you stop? Of course, you stop when the obligation is finished or fulfilled! In the same way, the Law of the Old Testament has been fulfilled by Jesus Christ, and there is now no obligation for Believers to keep it. The New Covenant of Grace through Jesus Christ has now replaced it.
What was the purpose of the Law?
The Law of Moses was given by God to the Hebrews as a way of restoring the fellowship that was broken in the Garden of Eden, Exodus 19:5-6, “Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. 6 And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.” God chose Israel as His treasured possession and gave them His Law to guide them into a relationship with Him. The evidence of that relationship was that they obeyed the Law. Yet, the Lord always desired that they obey out of love and faith, trusting Him, not merely following rules and regulations.
- Deuteronomy 6:5, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.”
- Habakkuk 2:4, “Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith.”
Following rules and regulations often leads to legalism and judgmentalism.
The Danger of Legalism
The danger came when people began to focus on keeping the Law itself rather than seeking the Lawgiver. Instead of worshiping God, they began to worship the rules. This misplaced focus easily produced judgmentalism and legalism—the very opposite of grace. Romans 6:14, “For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.”
Judgmentalism Explained
Judgmental people habitually form critical opinions about others, often without a full understanding of their circumstances. They are quick to condemn and slow to show compassion or empathy. Jesus warned against this when He said, “Judge not, that you be not judged” (Matthew 7:1-2). The heart of judgmentalism is pride, while the call of Christ is humility, Philippians 2:3-4, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”
Legalism Explained
From a biblical standpoint, legalism is an excessive reliance on laws, rules, or rituals to achieve righteousness or favor with God, while neglecting the importance of faith and grace. Legalism emphasizes external following of regulations rather than inward transformation through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul reminded the church of that in Galatians 2:16, “knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.”
The Call to Grace
Christians are not called to live under the Law and Grace at the same time—it is impossible. To walk in grace is to live by faith in Jesus, clothed in His righteousness, and transformed by His Spirit. When believers slip into judgmentalism or legalism, it is a sign that they are relying on the wrong covenant. Instead, God calls His people to extend the same mercy and grace they have received through Christ. The Apostle Paul says in Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.” The Apostle James says in James 2:13, “For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
In Matthew 23, Jesus delivers Eight Woes against the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy in legalism and judgmentalism:
The woes are all woes of hypocrisy and illustrate the differences between inner and outer moral states. Jesus portrays the Pharisees as impatient with outward, ritual observance of details, which made them look acceptable and righteous outwardly, but left the inner person unchanged.
The Eight Woes of Matthew 23 – NKJV
1. Shutting the Door of the Kingdom
Matthew 23:13, “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.”They hindered people from knowing God by legalism and burdensome traditions.
2. Exploiting the Vulnerable
Matthew 23:14, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. Therefore, you will receive greater condemnation.”Pretending devoutness and godliness while exploiting the weak.
3. Making Converts Worse Off
Matthew 23:15, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.”Binding converts to hypocrisy instead of freeing them to know God.
4. Blind Guides with Twisted Oaths
Matthew 23:16, “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears by the temple, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the temple, he is obliged to perform it.’ Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that sanctifies the gold?”Valuing material things above God’s presence or seeking God for personal reward.
5. Majoring on Minors
Matthew 23:23–24, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!”Obsessed with details, but neglecting love, justice, and mercy.
6. Outward Cleanliness, Inward Filth
Matthew 23:25–26, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.”Outward religious show, inward greed.
7. Whitewashed Tombs
Matthew 23:27–28, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.”Appearing holy but spiritually dead inside.
8. Murderous Heritage
Matthew 23:29–36, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, and say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.’ Therefore, you are witnesses against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers’ guilt. Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell? Therefore, indeed, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes: some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city, that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. Assuredly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.”Honoring prophets outwardly but carrying the same murderous spirit.
How is the New Covenant different from the Law of Moses?
The New Covenant transforms external obligation into internal devotion. Instead of rules engraved on stone, God’s Spirit writes His truth within us. Jesus said, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you’ (Luke 22:20). Through this covenant, believers receive forgiveness, adoption, and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. No longer are we bound by condemnation; we are set free to live by love (Romans 8:1).
Living Under Grace
To live under grace is to walk in freedom from guilt and fear. The Spirit empowers us to live out the heart of the Law—love—rather than the letter of it. God promised, ‘I will give you a new heart and put My Spirit within you’ (Ezekiel 36:26–27). Through this transformation, believers grow into Christ’s image ‘from glory to glory’ (2 Corinthians 3:18). As Paul wrote, ‘Love is the fulfillment of the law’ (Romans 13:8).
The Superiority of the New Covenant
The book of Hebrews describes the New Covenant as a ‘better covenant’ built on ‘better promises‘ (Hebrews 8:6). It offers better access to God, a better sacrifice, and better transformation. Under the Old Covenant, only the high priest could approach God once a year; now every believer may come boldly to His throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). The Old revealed sin but could not remove it; the New brings forgiveness and eternal life through Christ. Where the Old was a shadow, the New is the substance—eternal, unshakable, and perfect.
Reflection and Application
The Better Covenant calls us to rest—not in our striving, but in Christ’s finished work. Grace frees us from the weight of performance and invites us into a relationship. We no longer approach God through ritual, but through faith. As we walk in love, we fulfill what the Law pointed toward all along—communion with God and compassion for others.
Conclusion
Living under grace frees us from the burden of legalism and the trap of judgmentalism. The Law points us to our need for Christ, because only in Him do we find true righteousness. As followers of Jesus, we are called to embody His grace, show compassion, and walk humbly with our God, Micah 6:8, “He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?
Take a moment to thank God for the covenant of grace written on your heart. Remember that you are not under law, but under grace. Let His Spirit renew your mind daily, guiding you in love, faith, and freedom.
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190 Are Christians under the Law of Moses?
190 Are Christians under both the Law and Grace?
In my previous episode, 189 The Better Covenant, I made the point that the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, is the inspired Word of God, literally ‘God-breathed’ (2 Timothy 3:16). From beginning to end, it reveals God’s redemptive plan and His covenant relationship with humanity. The two Testaments represent two distinct covenants: the Old Covenant given to Israel through Moses, and the New Covenant given through Jesus Christ to all who believe. Understanding how these covenants connect, and how the New is better than the Old is basic to living in the freedom and grace God offers.
So, what is the meaning of covenant? A covenant is a sacred agreement or divine contract. In theology, it represents a binding relationship between God and people. The Old Covenant, often called the Law of Moses or the Mosaic Covenant, was mediated by Moses and centered on obedience to God’s commands. The New Covenant, however, was established by Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who willingly gave His life as the perfect sacrifice for sin. Because of His death and resurrection, believers enter into a covenant of grace, not law, Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
The common thread found in the two covenants is faith! Although the covenants differ in form, they share a common foundation: faith. From Abraham’s belief in God’s promise found in Genesis 15:6 to the believer’s trust in Christ today, faith has always been the means by which people are reconciled to God. The writer of Hebrews reminds us, ‘Without faith it is impossible to please Him’ (Hebrews 11:6). Faith is what binds humanity to the heart of God, both under the Law and under Grace.
Jesus did not come to abolish or destroy the Law but to fulfill it.
An important principle to understand in regards to both the Old and New Covenant is the statement that Jesus made when He said in Matthew 5:17, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.”
What does it mean that Jesus did not abolish the law but fulfilled it?
Jesus did not cancel or discard God’s law. “Abolish” means to tear down, invalidate, or do away with. Jesus is saying: He did not come to remove Moses’ Law or the Prophets. He did not come to reduce God’s commandments or make holiness less important. He did not set aside the Old Testament. His ministry was not a rejection of the Law but the continuation and completion of what God had already revealed.
The Greek word plēroō (“fulfill”) means: to complete, to bring to its intended goal, to fill up its meaning. Jesus fulfills the Law in four major ways:
- Jesus fulfilled the law through perfect obedience. Jesus kept the Law without sin, something no one else has ever done. He obeyed God’s moral law perfectly. He observed the ceremonial laws required of a Jew under Moses. He fulfilled every requirement that God demanded. Where humanity failed, Christ succeeded. Because of this, His righteousness can be credited to believers 2 Corinthians 5:21, “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
- Jesus fulfilled the Law’s prophecies and types. The Law and the Prophets pointed to Him, Jesus was the Passover Lamb, the sacrificial system, the priesthood, the feasts, the tabernacle, and messianic prophecies. Jesus is the substance of all these shadows:
- Hebrews 10:1, “For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect.”
- Colossians 2:16-17, So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, 17 which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.”
- Jesus fulfilled the law’s moral intent. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus explains the true meaning of God’s commandments: Anger is the root of murder, Lust is the root of adultery, Love of enemies is the heart of God’s character. He did not loosen the moral law; He deepened it to the heart level.
- Jesus fulfilled the law by establishing the New Covenant. Jesus’ death and resurrection fulfill what the Law anticipated: a once-for-all sacrifice, a better covenant (Hebrews 8–10). Forgiveness through His blood, the law written on hearts (Jeremiah 31:33)
- The ceremonial laws, sacrifices, dietary laws, and temple rituals find their completion in Christ and are no longer binding, because their purpose has been accomplished.
- But the moral law, God’s character, love, holiness, and righteousness continue in force and are reaffirmed in the New Testament.
In summary, Jesus did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it. This means that the Law is obsolete and has been replaced by grace. Jesus fulfilled the Law because He lived in perfect obedience, demonstrating the righteousness no one else could achieve (Hebrews 4:15). Through His death, He became the atoning sacrifice for sin once and for all 2 Corinthians 5:21,” For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. Where the Law exposed guilt, Jesus brought grace and truth, John 1:17, “For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
The Old sacrifices were continual; Christ’s sacrifice was complete. He satisfied the Law’s demands and opened the way for a New Covenant written on human hearts, Hebrews 8:10, “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.”
The Law as a Tutor
The Apostle Paul used the word “Tutor” to describe the propose of the Law of Moses. Galatians 3:24-26 “Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. 26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” When we think of the word tutor we often think of a teacher, however, that is not how the word is used in this verse. The Apostle Paul uses the Greek word “paidagōgos,” meaning a strict guardian or supervisor responsible for disciplining and watching over a child. This guardian was not the teacher but the one who escorted the child to the teacher.
The Mosaic Law served as this kind of guardian. It exposed sin, restrained wrongdoing, showed God’s perfect standard, revealed humanity’s need for a Savior, and pointed forward to Christ. The law could discipline, but could not save or transform. Its purpose was temporary, its job was to prepare the way for Christ.
New Wine in Old Wineskins – What did Jesus Mean
In Jesus’ day, wine was stored in animal-skin bags. New wineskins were soft, flexible, and able to expand. Old wineskins became stiff and brittle. New wine fermenting would stretch and burst an old wineskin. Jesus said in Matthew 9:17, “Nor do they put new wine into old wineskins, or else the wineskins break, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But they put new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.” The Spiritual Meaning is as follows the new wine represents the new covenant, the gospel of Christ, and the life of the Holy Spirit. The old wineskins represent the old covenant system and rigid religious traditions.
The background for the Gospel of Luke account came from the Pharisees questioning why Jesus’ disciples did not fast. Jesus explained that His coming ushered in a new era that could not fit into old religious frameworks. Then Jesus speaks a parable found in Luke 5:36–38, “No one puts a piece from a new garment on an old one; otherwise the new makes a tear, and also the piece that was taken out of the new does not match the old. 37 And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine will burst the wineskins and be spilled, and the wineskins will be ruined. 38 But new wine must be put into new wineskins, and both are preserved.”
The gospel requires new hearts, Ezekiel 36:26, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”
You cannot mix Law and Grace. Paul later affirms that the works of the law and grace cannot be combined as a basis for salvation.
- Romans 11:6, “And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.”
- Galatians 5:4, “You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.”
People often resist God’s new work because the old feels familiar. Luke 5:39, “And no one, having drunk old wine, immediately desires new; for he says, ‘The old is better.”
To live under grace is to walk in freedom from guilt and fear. The Spirit empowers us to live out the heart of the Law, love, rather than the letter of it. God promised, ‘I will give you a new heart and put My Spirit within you’ (Ezekiel 36:26–27). Through this transformation, believers grow into Christ’s image ‘from glory to glory’ 2 Corinthians 3:18, “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord”
As Paul wrote, ‘Love is the fulfillment of the law’, Romans 13:8-10, “Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”
Summary: Jesus brought a new covenant; the old covenant system could not contain His message, the Holy Spirit requires new hearts, law and grace cannot mix, and people resist God’s new work because the old feels “better.” In short, Jesus’ message and Spirit-filled life cannot be confined to old religious systems or unchanged hearts.
The words of Jesus to Nicodemus in John chapter 3 still ring true today, “You must be born-again” and by faith know that you are forgiven, cleansed, and made new. All of this is because God offers this gift of grace to anyone who will believe. If you have not made this decision to put your trust in Jesus, don’t wait or hesitate, do it now! Say this simple prayer, “Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and ask for your forgiveness. I believe you died for my sins and rose from the dead. Please come into my life and be my Lord and Savior. Amen”.
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189 The Better Covenant!
189 – The Better Covenant
As Christians, we understand that the entire Bible, Old Testament and New Testament, is inspired, or “God breathed.” 2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” The word “inspiration” literally means “breathed”, in other words, all scripture is “God breathed.”
We also know that the two parts of the Bible represent two separate Covenants. The word testament is from the Greek diathēkē, which means covenant. A covenant is an agreement or contract. A theological covenant is an agreement between God and mankind. Therefore, the Bible represents two covenants. The Old Covenant was a covenant between God and the Hebrews, and the New Covenant was a covenant between God and the followers of Jesus, Christians.
Every theological covenant has a mediator. The dictionary defines a mediator as one who attempts to bring people involved in a conflict to an agreement, serving as a go-between. In the Old Covenant, Moses was the mediator; that is why the covenant was often called the “Law of Moses.” The New Covenant mediator is Jesus, who gave His life willingly to save us from sin and gave us eternal life with Him in Heaven. Notice that I said, “Jesus gave His Life.” That giving of life is why the New Covenant is called the Covenant of Grace.
Back to the dictionary, grace is defined as: “(in Christian belief) the free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings.” Put another way, Jesus giving His life for us is the very definition of grace. Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
Here is the crucial point: you can’t have two mediators! Too many Christians are trying to live under the Law and under Grace. Grace and Law are mutually exclusive, meaning that it must be one or the other; it can’t be both. Look at what the Apostle John said in John 1:17, “For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” And then the Apostle Paul in Romans 6:14, “For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.”
Faith, the Key to both the Old and New Covenants
One thing that is in common with both covenants is that “Faith is the glue that holds the covenant together. Hebrews 11:6, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Faith is what God seeks in both the Old and New Covenants.
In the Old Testament, we see God’s appraisal of Abraham, Genesis 15:5-6, “Then He brought him outside and said, ‘Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.’ And He said to him, ‘So shall your descendants be.’ 6 And he believed (had faith) in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.” Then the Apostle Paul says in Romans 4:20-22, “He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, 21 and being fully convinced (faith) that what He had promised He was also able to perform. 22 And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.” Righteousness means to be in a right relationship with the Lord.
Salvation in both the Old and New Covenants was and is by faith. In the Old Testament, people were not saved by the Law, but by believing that the Law was from God and trusting in the Lawgiver who was God. In the New Testament, we are saved by trusting in Jesus, who is God, for our salvation alone.
Why Christians are not under the Law of Moses
Because Jesus fulfilled the Law, we are no longer under the Law. Jesus said in Matthew 5:17-18 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.” The promises of God in the Old Covenant are still in effect; however, the Law of Moses has become obsolete. Hebrews 8:13, “In that He says, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.” Let’s take a look at how Jesus fulfilled the Law.
Perfect Obedience
Jesus lived a life of perfect harmony and righteousness, displaying the moral standard required by the Law in a way that no person could.
- Hebrews 4:15, “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.”
- 1 Peter 2:22, “He committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth.”
Prophetic Fulfillment
There are between 300 and 400 prophecies in the Old Testament describing the life and ministry of the Messiah, Jesus.
- Matthew 5:17, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.”
- 2 Corinthians 1:20, “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.”
Atoning Sacrifice
Through His death, Jesus satisfied the righteous requirements of the Law, paying the penalty for human sin and making reconciliation with God possible. Remember, in the Old Covenant, sacrifices were continually made to cover sin. However, in the New Covenant, Jesus once and for all made the ultimate sacrifice on the Cross of Calvary.
- 2 Corinthians 5, “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
- “Galatians 3:13, “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’).
New Covenant
The sacrifice of Jesus required a new covenant, moving believers from a system of written rules to a new life under grace with the “law of love” written on their hearts.
- Jesus said in Luke 22:20, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.”
- Hebrews 8:10, “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.”
God’s Will
Jesus revealed the deep spiritual meaning of the Law, teaching and demonstrating a more profound understanding of God’s will, which involves transforming the heart. This transformation, which is by faith in the work of the Holy Spirit, changes us from the inside out. We are transformed out of guilt, fear, and shame into a loving relationship with our Lord.
- Matthew 22:37–40, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
- Romans 12:1-2, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
What This Means for Us as Christians
Freedom from Condemnation
Guilt and shame came with breaking the Law.
- Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”
Transformation by the Spirit
As Christians, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live out the spirit of the law not the letter of the law, which is love, by transforming our thoughts, words, and actions.
- Ezekiel 36:26–27, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you… I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.”
- 2 Corinthians 3:18, “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
Focusing on Love
Instead of focusing on the righteousness of the Law, our attention shifts to loving God and our neighbor, which Jesus declared to be the summary of the entire Law and the Prophets.
- Romans 13:8, “Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.”
- 1 Corinthians 13:13, “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
Jesus Christ fulfilled the Old Testament Law by perfectly obeying its requirements, thereby becoming the ultimate sacrifice and atonement for sin that the Law pointed to. His life and death are seen as the fulfillment of the prophetic messages of the Law, establishing a new covenant in its place. This fulfillment means that the Law’s requirements are now met through Christ’s work, and believers are called to live by a transformed spirit of love and grace, rather than strict adherence to the Old Covenant’s regulations.
The New Covenant is a Better Covenant
Jesus fulfilled the “Old Covenant Law” and replaced it with a “Better Covenant called the New Covenant of Grace. These are not my words, but the words found in the book of Hebrews. The book of Hebrews uses the word “better” about 12 times; here are some of them:
- Hebrews 7:22, “by so much more Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant.”
- Hebrews 8:6, “But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.”
- Hebrews 12:24, “to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant…”
- Hebrews 8:13, “In that He says, ‘A new covenant,’ He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.”
- Matthew 5:17-18 17 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.”
Superiority of the New Covenant
The book of Hebrews makes the case that the New Covenant is better than the Old Covenant. The book of Hebrews is written to many of the Jewish believers who have left Judaism for Christianity. These new Jewish Christians wanted to mix some of the Old Covenant with the New Covenant in order to escape persecution by their countrymen. Some are doing that even to this day, trying to mix the Old Covenant of Law with the New Covenant of Grace.
The writer of Hebrews exhorts them to “go on unto perfection” (Hebrews 6:1). His call is based on the superiority of Christ over the Judaic system. Christ is better than the angels, for they worship Him. He is better than Moses, for He created him. He is better than the Aaronic priesthood, for His sacrifice was once for all time. He is better than the law, for He mediates a better covenant. In short, there is more to be gained in Christ than to be lost in Judaism.
I encourage you to read Hebrews chapters 8–10 for a comparison of the Old vs. New Covenant, but here are a few principles.
- Better Promises: The Old Covenant promised blessings for obedience; the New Covenant promises eternal life and forgiveness (Hebrews 8:6).
- Better Sacrifice: Old Covenant sacrifices had to be repeated; Christ’s sacrifice was once-for-all (Hebrews 10:10–14).
- Better Access: Under the Old Covenant, only the high priest entered God’s presence once a year; under the New, all believers have direct access through Christ (Hebrews 4:16; 10:19–22).
- Better Transformation: The Old Covenant regulated behavior externally; the New changes hearts internally (Ezekiel 36:26–27; 2 Corinthians 5:17).
- Permanent vs. Temporary: The Old was a “shadow” of what was to come (Colossians 2:16–17; Hebrews 10:1); the New is eternal and unshakable (Hebrews 13:20).
The Old Covenant revealed sin but could not remove it. The New Covenant, established by Christ’s blood, brings forgiveness, transformation, and an eternal relationship with God. It is superior because it fulfills the promises, provides lasting access to God, and is built on grace rather than works.
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188 – You are God’s Dwelling Place!
God’s desire is to dwell with His people.
The basic restoration of God’s plan is eternal, unbroken fellowship with His people. The Bible makes it clear that God longs to dwell with His people; it is not a side note or unimportant issue. From the Garden of Eden in Genesis to the New Jerusalem in the book of Revelation, the Lord continually moves towards us. God’s desire is to be close, to live among us, and to restore what was lost through sin. The Lord uses the word “dwell with.” We need to understand that in modern terms, “dwelling with” means relationship and fellowship.
In the beginning of the Bible, we can see that God dwelt with Adam and Eve. They knew the Lord in a personal way; they walked with Him and talked with Him. Even after they sinned and were trying to hide from God, God was there waiting for them to come to Him.
Genesis 3:8 “And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden.”
At the end of the Bible, we see the conclusion to the story of redemption and restoration of fellowship.
Revelation 21:3, “And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people.” God Himself will be with them and be their God.”What a beautiful picture of the Tabernacle, God’s dwelling place, being in His people.
The Key to understanding God’s plan of redemption and fellowship with the Lord is understanding“faith!”
God offers His forgiveness of sin and a place in heaven as a gift; this gift is called “grace.” It is a free gift; however, we must, by “Faith,” accept the gift and allow Him to transform us to become more like Jesus. Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
What does the writer of Hebrews mean when, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God?”
What Is Faith?
Faith means believing in things we can’t see yet. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” It’s like trusting that the sun will come up tomorrow, even though it’s still night. Faith means spiritual sight.
Abraham showed strong faith when God promised him a vast family, even though he and his wife, Sarah, were barren and very old. Abraham believed God would keep His promise, and he was right! God gave Abraham and Sarah a son, Isaac, when Abraham was about 100 years old! This kind of trust is what God wants from us.
This kind of trust is not based on emotions or feelings; it is based on choosing to believe God’s word. Once we have made the decision, we must act or perform according to the decision. A phrase I often use in my life is the following: “I don’t want to be a legend in my own mind!” This means that I may have noble and courageous thoughts, but if I don’t do what God has called me to do, I let God down, let myself down, and those around me.
Walking by faith produces righteousness in us. Faith is the key to being close to God. For example, in the Bible, Abraham trusted God so much that God said he was “righteous,” which means he was living the right way. Listen to what Romans 4:3 says,” For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” So, when we believe what God has said and act on it, we are called righteous.
Now see what God saw in Abraham; Romans 4:19-21, “And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. 20 He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, 21 and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.”Abraham believed what God said, even when it seemed impossible. Because of his faith, God blessed him.
We must decide that, since we have a God for whom nothing is impossible and we belong to Him, nothing is impossible for us if God has called us to it; the Lord always equips those whom He calls.
What does “diligently seek Him” mean?
Let’s come back to Hebrews 11:6 and look at the second part of the verse, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
What does the writer of Hebrews mean when, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he says, “He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him?” Remember, we know that God wants to dwell with us and have fellowship with us. It’s clear that the Lord makes the first move towards us; it is equally clear that the Lord wants us to make a move towards Him.
This is not just a one-time desire for God, as when we accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, but it is a careful, determined, and attentive desire to have a relationship with Him; for God is a “rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
The Lord always makes the first move. We can see that as we examine how the Lord God demonstrated His desire for fellowship and relationship with His people throughout the Bible, we also pay attention to the work of His Holy Spirit.
The Old Testament “Fire and Cloud,” and the Tabernacle/Temple.
In the book of Exodus, we see that God led the people of Israel out of Egyptian bondage by guiding them through the path of escape. His Presence was with them as a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. What an incredible journey that must have been, to follow by faith that the Lord was with His people. There came a time when the Lord wanted to be among His people in the camp. To accomplish that, He instructed the people to build a Tabernacle, which was a moveable tent where His Presence would be. Later, the Lord would direct the people to build a permanent Tabernacle, and then it would be called The Temple.
In Exodus 25:8, the Lord said, “And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.” Up to this point, the Lord appeared as a cloud by day and fire at night; now, He wanted a closer relationship.
The Tabernacle was not just about a portable building. The Tabernacle was a visible sign that God was dwelling among His people. His presence, symbolized by the cloud and fire, went with Israel wherever they traveled.
Exodus 40:34–38 tells us that the pillar of fire was over the Tabernacle at night and the cloud was over the Tabernacle in the day. If the cloud did not move, neither did the people. To “dwell with” meant that God wasn’t distant—He was sharing life, guiding, protecting, and making covenant fellowship with them in their daily journey.
Exodus 31:1-5 demonstrates another important teaching for us. “Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: 2 “See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 3 And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, 4 to design artistic works, to work in gold, in silver, in bronze, 5 in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of workmanship.” Here is the lesson, “only the Holy Spirit of God can enable or empower people to build the Tabernacle of God.”
New Testament Tabernacle/Temple- the Believer
You are the Temple of God. He lives in you. Let the Holy Spirit of God build His dwelling place in your life.
1 Corinthians 6:19, “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?” The Apostle Paul is bringing to the attention of the Corinthian Believers that they have the Holy Spirit, the “helper,” living within. Sometimes we need to be reminded or remind ourselves that the Holy Spirit lives within us.
As New Testament or New Covenant Believers, God doesn’t just live among His people, but within them. Every Believer of Jesus Christ has the indwelling Holy Spirit of God. “Indwelling” here means God sharing our lives, continuously empowering, comforting, correcting, and guiding us from within. It’s a permanent, intimate presence.
Here are three New Testament scriptures that confirm this truth.”
- Matthew 1:23, “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” Immanuel is translated, “God with us.” Matthew was recalling a Messianic prophecy from the book of Isaiah. Jesus is our Immanuel, God with us.
- John 1:14, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” Jesus shared meals, traveled, taught, and wept with His disciples. Dwelling here meant sharing real life together—not a quick visit but living side by side. The disciples experienced God’s presence in the ordinary rhythms of life because He “dwelt with” them in person.
- Jesus said in John 10:27-28, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.”
Today God doesn’t just live among His people, but within them. “Dwelling with” here means God shares our lives continuously empowering, comforting, correcting, and guiding us from the inside out. It’s a permanent, intimate presence. Jesus said in John 14:16-17, “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.”
Some practical ways to grow in your awareness of God dwelling in you.
Our priority is to “go all in with Jesus.” Here are some thoughts about learning how to experience the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
- Water baptism – Jesus said to do it.
- Baptism of the Holy Spirit – Jesus sent the Holy Spirit as a promise.
- Worship during church service. Don’t be a spectator but a participator.
- Bible reading, New Testament first, start in the Gospel of John
- In Christian music, there is a style for every taste.
- Christian radio, TV, streaming
- Join a bible study
- Get involved with church/Christian activities
- Volunteer at church/Christian events
Practical Application Today
In practical terms, “Dwelling with” God means inviting His presence into everyday life—like eating with Him in gratitude, walking with Him in prayer, working with His guidance, and resting in His peace. Just as Israel lived with God in their camp, and the disciples lived daily life with Jesus, we are called to live each moment aware that He is right here with us.
Finally, don’t forget Philippians 1:6, “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” God always keeps His promises; we just need to learn how to “…walk by faith and not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7
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187 Character and Anointing!
The Relationship Between Character and Anointing in Christianity
There is a vital relationship between the character of a Believer and the anointing in the Believer that is often overlooked. It is all too common to focus on either character or anointing, rather than both. This problem in Christianity goes back to the saying, “With the Word (Bible) only, you dry up. With the Spirit (anointing), only you blow up. However, with the Bible and the anointing, you grow up.
Growing up to be the person God created you to be in the image of Jesus Christ is our goal as disciples. When Jesus walked the earth, His disciples and followers had the advantage of learning from Him directly. They walked with Him, talked with Him, and lived with Him.
Jesus knew that He would be leaving His followers and that they would scatter without Him. Jesus made it very clear that the Father would not leave us as orphans when Jesus was gone, but that He would give us a “Helper,” the Holy Spirit, to guide us into becoming disciples of His. The early followers of Jesus had Jesus to help them grow mature; today, we have the Holy Spirit of God to help us grow into mature Christians.
- John 14:16-18, “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.”
- John 14:26, “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 things that I said to you.”
- John 16:7, “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.”
The word Helper in these three verses is the Greek word paraklētos, which means an intercessor, consoler, advocate, or comforter. Another way to look at the word helper is “one just like me,” therefore, the Holy Spirit is just like Jesus. When Jesus ascended into heaven in the Book of Acts, the Holy Spirit descended to live in the Believer. Acts 1:8, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” To be a witness means to testify to what Jesus has done for you through the Holy Spirit. You see, it is not about you, but it is about what God has done through you.
1. Character and Anointing
Character refers to a person’s moral and spiritual qualities, such as integrity, humility, patience, faithfulness, and obedience. It is shaped over time through surrender to God, discipline, and growth in Christlikeness. Character development is the part of the Christian walk that involves a change of mind. The word repentance fits here because repentance means to change direction due to a shift in perspective. The greatest change in mind is when you decided to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. You went from not believing to becoming a Believer. Romans 12:1-2, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
As a result of your faith, you became a new creation; 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” Because you are a “new creation,” this is how the “new creation” looks and behaves: Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” These are the character traits of a mature Believer. However, you cannot accomplish this without the help of the Holy Spirit; this is where the anointing comes in.
Anointing refers to the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to carry out God’s work. It is often associated with spiritual gifts and divine enablement for ministry, such as preaching, healing, or leading. I love this definition of anointing by my good friend Dr. Frank Parish of World MAP. “The Anointing is none other than the Person and presence of the Holy Spirit, bringing with Him the necessary power, authority, and gifts to fulfill the Father’s will in a given moment of ministry or assignment.”
It would be easy to think that the anointing is for ministry only; that would be a mistake. The anointing of the Holy Spirit is also needed to shape us as disciples of Christ. The most significant work of the Holy Spirit is the transformation it brings to the individual. As we pursue Jesus in our relationship, we become more like Him. 2 Corinthians 3:18, “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
You see, our role model is Jesus! We are called to become more like Jesus every day, as stated in Romans 8:28-29, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.”
As we pursue the Bible the Holy Spirit anointing will teach us everything we need to know for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). The Bible is a spiritual book and its truths can only be understood by a spiritual Believer, 1 Corinthians 2:14, “But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated.” (Amp.)
The good news is that you are anointed. 1 John 2:27, “But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.”
2. How Character and Anointing Differ
Character is built through time and testing; it reflects who you are in Christ and can be measured by the fruit of the Spirit. One measure of character is that it is the same in public as it is in private. In other words, they are the same wherever and whatever they do. I am sure you have seen people who are fakes or hypocrites. They are like chameleons, changing their character depending on who they are with. The best judge of character is often a family member; they know who you really are. As the Bible teaches, “you shall know them by their fruits.”
On the other hand, the Anointing is available from God for God’s work. First, to help you develop the character of Christ, and second, to use in some ministry work. Unfortunately, many think the anointing is only for ministry, well, your life is a ministry field too.
It reflects what God does through you and is measured by the power and results it produces. A changed life is a powerful testimony of the work of the Holy Spirit or the anointing. The Anointing can be misused without character; perhaps you have seen or experienced a person who is very powerful in one area and falls short in another. Just keep in mind that we are all “works in progress.”
3. How do Character and Anointing Relate
Character supports the anointing. Without godly character, a person can mishandle or corrupt their anointing. Character keeps a person grounded and prevents pride, manipulation, or burnout Proverbs 11:3, “The integrity of the upright will guide them, But the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.”
Matthew 7:22-23, “Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” As you can see, it’s the character that the Lord is looking for.
Anointing without character is dangerous. God may choose to use someone powerfully even if their personal life is out of order, but eventually, a lack of character can cause public or private collapse. Look at the life of Samson in Judges 13–16.
God develops character before increasing anointing. Often, God tests and refines a person in private before giving them public influence or spiritual authority, as seen in David tending sheep before becoming king.
1 Samuel 16:13, “Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel arose and went to Ramah.”
Psalms 78:70-72, “He also chose David His servant, And took him from the sheepfolds; 71 From following the ewes that had young He brought him, To shepherd Jacob His people, And Israel His inheritance. 72 So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, And guided them by the skillfulness of his hands.”
4. Biblical Examples
Joseph: Had dreams (anointing), but had to develop character through betrayal, slavery, and prison before becoming second to Pharaoh (Genesis 37–50).
Jesus: Though fully anointed, He demonstrated perfect character—serving, obeying, and suffering willingly (Philippians 2:5–11; Hebrews 5:8).
Paul: Operated in powerful gifts, but emphasized character, saying love (a character trait) is greater than any spiritual gift (1 Corinthians 13:1–3).
5. Application and Warnings
Balance is key. A Christian should seek both the anointing and Christlike character. Power without purity leads to destruction; purity without power may lack effectiveness.
Spiritual maturity includes both. Ephesians 4:11–13 describes the goal of ministry as growing into the fullness of Christ—not just in gifts, but in godly living.
Beware of charisma without character. In modern times, some leaders have great gifts but fall due to pride, sin, or lack of accountability. Their fall brings dishonor to the Gospel.
6. Conclusion
Character is the foundation that sustains the anointing. The Spirit may anoint a person, but it is godly character that keeps them effective, humble, and faithful over the long haul. Christians should never pursue power without also pursuing purity. When both are present, the believer becomes a trustworthy vessel through whom God can do great and lasting work, 2 Timothy 2:20-21, “But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. 21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.”
It is not Anointing or Character but anointing and Character that produces the righteousness of God.
