Justified by Faith, Changed by the Spirit

Do not let Satan overcome you with Do not let Satan overcome you with counsels of despair because I have not counsels of despair because I have not counsels of despair because I have not said, the New Testament has not said, said, the New Testament has not said, said, the New Testament has not said, and God has not said you must earn your and God has not said you must earn your and God has not said you must earn your justification by works. Did you receive the Spirit by works of Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law the law the law or by the hearing of faith? or by the hearing of faith? or by the hearing of faith? And if it was by the hearing of faith, And if it was by the hearing of faith, And if it was by the hearing of faith, and if you began with the Spirit, don't and if you began with the Spirit, don't and if you began with the Spirit, don't try to be completed by the flesh, by try to be completed by the flesh, by try to be completed by the flesh, by your own unaided efforts. your own unaided efforts. your own unaided efforts. >> Have you ever noticed how easy it is to >> Have you ever noticed how easy it is to >> Have you ever noticed how easy it is to turn the Christian life into a burden turn the Christian life into a burden turn the Christian life into a burden [music] [music] [music] you carry instead of a life you receive? you carry instead of a life you receive? you carry instead of a life you receive? We start by faith [music] and then We start by faith [music] and then We start by faith [music] and then somehow end up exhausted trying to somehow end up exhausted trying to somehow end up exhausted trying to perfect ourselves. I'm your host, Dan perfect ourselves. I'm your host, Dan perfect ourselves. I'm your host, Dan Cruver. Cruver. Cruver. In this episode of Light and Truth, John In this episode of Light and Truth, John In this episode of Light and Truth, John Piper turns to Romans the Spirit does not merely begin the Christian does not merely begin the Christian life, life, life, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> he sustains and empowers it all the way >> he sustains and empowers it all the way >> he sustains and empowers it all the way through.

through. through. This message was originally delivered at This message was originally delivered at This message was originally delivered at Bethlehem Baptist Church on September Bethlehem Baptist Church on September Bethlehem Baptist Church on September 14th, 1980. >> Justification is an act of God, not man. >> Justification is an act of God, not man. It's an act that happens outside It's an act that happens outside It's an act that happens outside ourselves on the basis of a transaction ourselves on the basis of a transaction ourselves on the basis of a transaction that happened outside ourselves. that happened outside ourselves. that happened outside ourselves. Nevertheless, even though justification Nevertheless, even though justification Nevertheless, even though justification happens outside ourselves, happens outside ourselves, happens outside ourselves, and even though it's based on a and even though it's based on a and even though it's based on a transaction that is outside ourselves in transaction that is outside ourselves in transaction that is outside ourselves in history, something history, something history, something has to happen inside ourselves in order has to happen inside ourselves in order has to happen inside ourselves in order for us to benefit from what comes from for us to benefit from what comes from for us to benefit from what comes from God's justification. God's justification. God's justification. In order to benefit from the work of God In order to benefit from the work of God In order to benefit from the work of God outside us, outside us, outside us, we must also experience the work of God we must also experience the work of God we must also experience the work of God within us by the Holy Spirit. within us by the Holy Spirit. within us by the Holy Spirit. And that's the topic this morning. What And that's the topic this morning. What And that's the topic this morning. What is that work and how is it related is that work and how is it related is that work and how is it related to justification?

to justification? to justification? And the text is Romans 8:1-2. And the text is Romans 8:1-2. And the text is Romans 8:1-2. Romans 8:1. Romans 8:1. Romans 8:1. There is therefore now no condemnation There is therefore now no condemnation There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. No for those who are in Christ Jesus. No for those who are in Christ Jesus. No condemnation. condemnation. condemnation. I wonder what you would put on a list if I wonder what you would put on a list if I wonder what you would put on a list if I asked you, I asked you, I asked you, "List for me "List for me "List for me all the things you can think of that all the things you can think of that all the things you can think of that bring you the most bring you the most bring you the most tension, tension, tension, pressure, pressure, pressure, anxieties, anxieties, anxieties, and depression. List them out. and depression. List them out. and depression. List them out. What are the things that make you feel What are the things that make you feel What are the things that make you feel like it's just not worth getting up in like it's just not worth getting up in like it's just not worth getting up in the morning? the morning? the morning? Or the things that make the prospect of Or the things that make the prospect of Or the things that make the prospect of life going on as it is now very life going on as it is now very life going on as it is now very unappealing. unappealing. unappealing. Now, I don't know what that list would Now, I don't know what that list would Now, I don't know what that list would look like for every person, look like for every person, look like for every person, but I know this. but I know this. but I know this. If you were to add to your list this, If you were to add to your list this, If you were to add to your list this, namely, a constant or repeated sense of namely, a constant or repeated sense of namely, a constant or repeated sense of guilt guilt guilt before God and fear of his constant before God and fear of his constant before God and fear of his constant displeasure, displeasure, displeasure, then life would be almost unlivable, then life would be almost unlivable, then life would be almost unlivable, wouldn't it?

wouldn't it? wouldn't it? I think we've experienced enough of that I think we've experienced enough of that I think we've experienced enough of that to know that it would be. Guilt to know that it would be. Guilt to know that it would be. Guilt paralyzes us paralyzes us paralyzes us and creates and creates and creates suicidal tendencies. suicidal tendencies. suicidal tendencies. If that's true, If that's true, If that's true, then the phrase no condemnation then the phrase no condemnation then the phrase no condemnation are the most beautiful words in the are the most beautiful words in the are the most beautiful words in the world. Come in off the ledge, there's no world. Come in off the ledge, there's no world. Come in off the ledge, there's no condemnation. condemnation. condemnation. Rise up off your bed of dismay. There's Rise up off your bed of dismay. There's Rise up off your bed of dismay. There's no condemnation. no condemnation. no condemnation. Those are beautiful words. Words that I Those are beautiful words. Words that I Those are beautiful words. Words that I want very much for this church, for my want very much for this church, for my want very much for this church, for my family, family, family, and for myself. and for myself. and for myself. But, are they addressed to me? But, are they addressed to me? But, are they addressed to me? Are they addressed to you? Are they addressed to you? Are they addressed to you? That's a very important question. That's a very important question. That's a very important question. There is therefore now no condemnation There is therefore now no condemnation There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. It can to those who are in Christ Jesus. It can to those who are in Christ Jesus. It can be said of no one else. be said of no one else. be said of no one else. For everyone else, there is For everyone else, there is For everyone else, there is condemnation.

condemnation. condemnation. Who are those Who are those Who are those who are in Christ Jesus? What does that who are in Christ Jesus? What does that who are in Christ Jesus? What does that phrase mean? phrase mean? phrase mean? Verses 9 and 10 Verses 9 and 10 Verses 9 and 10 of Romans 8 begin to answer the of Romans 8 begin to answer the of Romans 8 begin to answer the question. question. question. Notice, as we read these two verses, Notice, as we read these two verses, Notice, as we read these two verses, that the spirit that the spirit that the spirit the spirit of God the spirit of God the spirit of God the spirit of Christ and Christ are the spirit of Christ and Christ are the spirit of Christ and Christ are simply interchangeable. simply interchangeable. simply interchangeable. You are not in the flesh, you are in the You are not in the flesh, you are in the You are not in the flesh, you are in the spirit, if spirit, if spirit, if the spirit of God really dwells in you. the spirit of God really dwells in you. the spirit of God really dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the spirit of Anyone who does not have the spirit of Anyone who does not have the spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But, if Christ does not belong to him. But, if Christ does not belong to him. But, if Christ Christ Christ is in you, although your bodies are dead is in you, although your bodies are dead is in you, although your bodies are dead because of sin, your spirits are alive because of sin, your spirits are alive because of sin, your spirits are alive because of righteousness. because of righteousness. because of righteousness. It's evident from those two verses that It's evident from those two verses that It's evident from those two verses that the spirit of God is one with the spirit the spirit of God is one with the spirit the spirit of God is one with the spirit of Christ. There are not two spirits, of Christ. There are not two spirits, of Christ. There are not two spirits, there is one spirit, and he is the there is one spirit, and he is the there is one spirit, and he is the spirit of the Father spirit of the Father spirit of the Father and of the Son. And therefore, when we and of the Son. And therefore, when we and of the Son. And therefore, when we have the spirit, we have the Father and have the spirit, we have the Father and have the spirit, we have the Father and the Son by the spirit.

the Son by the spirit. the Son by the spirit. But now, Romans 8:1 says But now, Romans 8:1 says But now, Romans 8:1 says that that that some are in Christ, whereas verse 10 some are in Christ, whereas verse 10 some are in Christ, whereas verse 10 talked about talked about talked about those who are inhabited by Christ. That those who are inhabited by Christ. That those who are inhabited by Christ. That is, in verse one, Christ enfolds us. is, in verse one, Christ enfolds us. is, in verse one, Christ enfolds us. In verse 10, we enfold Christ. Is there In verse 10, we enfold Christ. Is there In verse 10, we enfold Christ. Is there a difference? a difference? a difference? Verse nine, I think, is written to make Verse nine, I think, is written to make Verse nine, I think, is written to make plain that there is no difference plain that there is no difference plain that there is no difference between these two ways of talking. between these two ways of talking. between these two ways of talking. Two ways of describing our relationship Two ways of describing our relationship Two ways of describing our relationship to God. You are to God. You are to God. You are in the spirit in the spirit in the spirit if the spirit really dwells in you. if the spirit really dwells in you. if the spirit really dwells in you. It would follow then, wouldn't it, to It would follow then, wouldn't it, to It would follow then, wouldn't it, to say that you are in Christ if Christ say that you are in Christ if Christ say that you are in Christ if Christ or the spirit of Christ is really in or the spirit of Christ is really in or the spirit of Christ is really in you. Therefore, the first thing we can you. Therefore, the first thing we can you. Therefore, the first thing we can say about who those are in Romans say about who those are in Romans say about who those are in Romans chapter 8, verse 1, is that they are chapter 8, verse 1, is that they are chapter 8, verse 1, is that they are people in whom the spirit people in whom the spirit people in whom the spirit of God and of Christ really dwells. To of God and of Christ really dwells. To of God and of Christ really dwells. To be in Christ Jesus is to be so related be in Christ Jesus is to be so related be in Christ Jesus is to be so related to him to him to him that the acquittal he purchased on the that the acquittal he purchased on the that the acquittal he purchased on the cross now becomes ours. And what the cross now becomes ours. And what the cross now becomes ours. And what the verses make plain is that only those who verses make plain is that only those who verses make plain is that only those who have the spirit of Christ can lay claim have the spirit of Christ can lay claim have the spirit of Christ can lay claim to that acquittal and say that there is to that acquittal and say that there is to that acquittal and say that there is no condemnation for them. There is no condemnation for them. There is no condemnation for them. There is therefore now no condemnation to those therefore now no condemnation to those therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, that is, no who are in Christ Jesus, that is, no who are in Christ Jesus, that is, no condemnation to those in whom the spirit

condemnation to those in whom the spirit condemnation to those in whom the spirit of Christ dwells. of Christ dwells. of Christ dwells. Now, this understanding of verse one is Now, this understanding of verse one is Now, this understanding of verse one is confirmed for us in verses 13 and 14. confirmed for us in verses 13 and 14. confirmed for us in verses 13 and 14. Notice what verse 13 says. If you live Notice what verse 13 says. If you live Notice what verse 13 says. If you live according to the flesh, you will die. according to the flesh, you will die. according to the flesh, you will die. But, if by the spirit you put to death But, if by the spirit you put to death But, if by the spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. the deeds of the body, you will live. the deeds of the body, you will live. Now, the life and the death spoken of in Now, the life and the death spoken of in Now, the life and the death spoken of in verse 13 are eternal life and eternal verse 13 are eternal life and eternal verse 13 are eternal life and eternal death. But, what is eternal life but the death. But, what is eternal life but the death. But, what is eternal life but the words no condemnation? And what is words no condemnation? And what is words no condemnation? And what is eternal death but the opposite, eternal death but the opposite, eternal death but the opposite, condemnation? condemnation? condemnation? And therefore, I think it's plain that And therefore, I think it's plain that And therefore, I think it's plain that what verse 13 is saying that unless the what verse 13 is saying that unless the what verse 13 is saying that unless the Holy Spirit is ruling in the life, Holy Spirit is ruling in the life, Holy Spirit is ruling in the life, overcoming our sinful tendencies, we overcoming our sinful tendencies, we overcoming our sinful tendencies, we cannot lay claim to no condemnation or cannot lay claim to no condemnation or cannot lay claim to no condemnation or the hope of eternal life. And that the hope of eternal life. And that the hope of eternal life. And that confirms verse one that it means no confirms verse one that it means no confirms verse one that it means no condemnation is for those who are in condemnation is for those who are in condemnation is for those who are in Christ, that is in whom Christ Jesus Christ, that is in whom Christ Jesus Christ, that is in whom Christ Jesus dwells mightily by his Holy Spirit.

dwells mightily by his Holy Spirit. dwells mightily by his Holy Spirit. Verse 14 says the same thing in Verse 14 says the same thing in Verse 14 says the same thing in different words. different words. different words. All who are led by the Spirit are the All who are led by the Spirit are the All who are led by the Spirit are the sons of God. Nobody else. sons of God. Nobody else. sons of God. Nobody else. Verse nine had said Verse nine had said Verse nine had said negatively, anyone who does not have the negatively, anyone who does not have the negatively, anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ doesn't belong to him. Spirit of Christ doesn't belong to him. Spirit of Christ doesn't belong to him. Now verse 14 gives the positive Now verse 14 gives the positive Now verse 14 gives the positive counterpart, counterpart, counterpart, all who are led by the Holy Spirit are all who are led by the Holy Spirit are all who are led by the Holy Spirit are the sons of God. To be adopted into the sons of God. To be adopted into the sons of God. To be adopted into God's family as a son means surely to God's family as a son means surely to God's family as a son means surely to pass from death into life, from pass from death into life, from pass from death into life, from condemnation into no condemnation. But condemnation into no condemnation. But condemnation into no condemnation. But that would mean then that the adoption that would mean then that the adoption that would mean then that the adoption that we receive by the Holy Spirit is a criterion for whether or not we can is a criterion for whether or not we can lay claim to the phrase no condemnation lay claim to the phrase no condemnation lay claim to the phrase no condemnation for ourselves. for ourselves. for ourselves. It is clear therefore from verses nine, It is clear therefore from verses nine, It is clear therefore from verses nine, 10, 13, and 14 that those of whom it can 10, 13, and 14 that those of whom it can 10, 13, and 14 that those of whom it can be said, be said, be said, "No condemnation for you." are people "No condemnation for you." are people "No condemnation for you." are people in whom the Spirit of God dwells or more in whom the Spirit of God dwells or more in whom the Spirit of God dwells or more specifically and more radically, the specifically and more radically, the specifically and more radically, the people in whom the Spirit of God is people in whom the Spirit of God is people in whom the Spirit of God is putting to death the deeds of the body putting to death the deeds of the body putting to death the deeds of the body or in whom the Spirit of God is the or in whom the Spirit of God is the or in whom the Spirit of God is the leader.

leader. leader. Verse 14. Verse 14. Verse 14. Now we're ready for verse two to hear it Now we're ready for verse two to hear it Now we're ready for verse two to hear it for all that it's worth and its full for all that it's worth and its full for all that it's worth and its full force and its connection with verse one. force and its connection with verse one. force and its connection with verse one. Paul signals with the little word for at Paul signals with the little word for at Paul signals with the little word for at the beginning of verse two that he means the beginning of verse two that he means the beginning of verse two that he means to give in Romans 8:2 a basis or a to give in Romans 8:2 a basis or a to give in Romans 8:2 a basis or a foundation foundation foundation for verse one. He is answering the for verse one. He is answering the for verse one. He is answering the question, question, question, "Why is it "Why is it "Why is it that only those who are in Christ that only those who are in Christ that only those who are in Christ have no condemnation?" And he answers, have no condemnation?" And he answers, have no condemnation?" And he answers, "Because "Because "Because the law of the Spirit of life in Christ the law of the Spirit of life in Christ the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of Jesus has set you free from the law of Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death. The liberating law of the sin and death. The liberating law of the sin and death. The liberating law of the life-giving Spirit has freed us from the life-giving Spirit has freed us from the life-giving Spirit has freed us from the enslaving law of death-giving sin." enslaving law of death-giving sin." enslaving law of death-giving sin." Now, the term law in verse two of Romans Now, the term law in verse two of Romans Now, the term law in verse two of Romans 8 does not mean a written 8 does not mean a written 8 does not mean a written code. It doesn't refer to the Old code. It doesn't refer to the Old code. It doesn't refer to the Old Testament law, at least not primarily.

Testament law, at least not primarily. Testament law, at least not primarily. It refers rather to the authority or the It refers rather to the authority or the It refers rather to the authority or the power power power of the Spirit, or the authority or the of the Spirit, or the authority or the of the Spirit, or the authority or the power of sin. So, that when it says the power of sin. So, that when it says the power of sin. So, that when it says the law of the Spirit of life, it means the law of the Spirit of life, it means the law of the Spirit of life, it means the authority and power of the Spirit who authority and power of the Spirit who authority and power of the Spirit who gives life. And when it says the law of gives life. And when it says the law of gives life. And when it says the law of the the the sin and death, it means the authority sin and death, it means the authority sin and death, it means the authority and power of sin in our lives. We can and power of sin in our lives. We can and power of sin in our lives. We can see this if we look back up into the see this if we look back up into the see this if we look back up into the previous chapter verses 21 to 25 of previous chapter verses 21 to 25 of previous chapter verses 21 to 25 of Romans 7, Romans 7, Romans 7, which says, which says, which says, Paul here lamenting his own Paul here lamenting his own Paul here lamenting his own imperfections, imperfections, imperfections, "So, I find it to be a law "So, I find it to be a law "So, I find it to be a law that even when I want to do right, there that even when I want to do right, there that even when I want to do right, there lies lies lies close at hand evil. close at hand evil. close at hand evil. For I delight in the law of God in my For I delight in the law of God in my For I delight in the law of God in my innermost self, but I see in my members innermost self, but I see in my members innermost self, but I see in my members another law at war with the law of my another law at war with the law of my another law at war with the law of my mind and making me captive, notice the mind and making me captive, notice the mind and making me captive, notice the phrase, to the law of sin phrase, to the law of sin phrase, to the law of sin which dwells in my members." Now, we can which dwells in my members." Now, we can which dwells in my members." Now, we can see from that little phrase that the law see from that little phrase that the law see from that little phrase that the law of sin is not the Old Testament or a of sin is not the Old Testament or a of sin is not the Old Testament or a written code, cuz it dwells in his written code, cuz it dwells in his written code, cuz it dwells in his members. It's the power and the members. It's the power and the members. It's the power and the authority of sin.

authority of sin. authority of sin. And now he continues with his holy And now he continues with his holy And now he continues with his holy rebellion against his own sinfulness. rebellion against his own sinfulness. rebellion against his own sinfulness. Wretched man that I am, who will deliver Wretched man that I am, who will deliver Wretched man that I am, who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to me from this body of death? Thanks be to me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So, God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So, God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So, then then then I myself serve the law of God with my I myself serve the law of God with my I myself serve the law of God with my mind, mind, mind, but with my flesh but with my flesh but with my flesh I serve the law of sin. I serve the law of sin. I serve the law of sin. I conclude, therefore, that the law of I conclude, therefore, that the law of I conclude, therefore, that the law of sin and death in verse two of chapter sin and death in verse two of chapter sin and death in verse two of chapter eight eight eight is the power and the authority of sin. is the power and the authority of sin. is the power and the authority of sin. In the life In the life In the life which is ruled by the flesh, rather than which is ruled by the flesh, rather than which is ruled by the flesh, rather than dominated by God's authority. Now, the dominated by God's authority. Now, the dominated by God's authority. Now, the flesh is that old nature that we have flesh is that old nature that we have flesh is that old nature that we have that hates to rely on mercy and wants to that hates to rely on mercy and wants to that hates to rely on mercy and wants to do its own thing and refuses to delight do its own thing and refuses to delight do its own thing and refuses to delight in God's ways. And you remember verse 13 in God's ways. And you remember verse 13 in God's ways. And you remember verse 13 of chapter eight said, "Those who of chapter eight said, "Those who of chapter eight said, "Those who live by the flesh will die." live by the flesh will die." live by the flesh will die." Which is why the little phrase law of Which is why the little phrase law of Which is why the little phrase law of sin in chapter seven now becomes the law sin in chapter seven now becomes the law sin in chapter seven now becomes the law of sin and death in chapter eight, of sin and death in chapter eight, of sin and death in chapter eight, because if one is dominated by that law because if one is dominated by that law because if one is dominated by that law or that power and authority, he will or that power and authority, he will or that power and authority, he will die.

die. die. But he need not die. But he need not die. But he need not die. We need not be in that category. For as We need not be in that category. For as We need not be in that category. For as verse two says, "The law of the spirit verse two says, "The law of the spirit verse two says, "The law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has freed us of life in Christ Jesus has freed us of life in Christ Jesus has freed us from the law of sin and of death." God from the law of sin and of death." God from the law of sin and of death." God is omnipotent, and his spirit is a is omnipotent, and his spirit is a is omnipotent, and his spirit is a spirit of power and authority. spirit of power and authority. spirit of power and authority. He transforms and renews the mind. He He transforms and renews the mind. He He transforms and renews the mind. He sanctifies the heart. He liberates us sanctifies the heart. He liberates us sanctifies the heart. He liberates us from the law of sin and death. from the law of sin and death. from the law of sin and death. But the relationship between verses two But the relationship between verses two But the relationship between verses two and one of Romans 8 show that without and one of Romans 8 show that without and one of Romans 8 show that without that liberating power of the Spirit at that liberating power of the Spirit at that liberating power of the Spirit at work in our lives, there will be work in our lives, there will be work in our lives, there will be condemnation condemnation condemnation rather than no condemnation. rather than no condemnation. rather than no condemnation. Notice by way of confirmation how Romans Notice by way of confirmation how Romans Notice by way of confirmation how Romans 6 verses 20 to 22 teaches exactly the 6 verses 20 to 22 teaches exactly the 6 verses 20 to 22 teaches exactly the same thing with different words, only same thing with different words, only same thing with different words, only slightly different. Romans 6:20 slightly different. Romans 6:20 slightly different. Romans 6:20 When you were slaves of sin, you were When you were slaves of sin, you were When you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. But free in regard to righteousness. But free in regard to righteousness. But what return did you get from those what return did you get from those what return did you get from those things of which you're now ashamed? The things of which you're now ashamed? The things of which you're now ashamed? The end of those things is death.

end of those things is death. end of those things is death. Now that's a picture, isn't it, of the Now that's a picture, isn't it, of the Now that's a picture, isn't it, of the law law law of sin and death. of sin and death. of sin and death. But now that you have been set free from But now that you have been set free from But now that you have been set free from sin, now there's Romans 8:2. sin, now there's Romans 8:2. sin, now there's Romans 8:2. The liberating law of the Spirit of life The liberating law of the Spirit of life The liberating law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus frees us from the law of in Christ Jesus frees us from the law of in Christ Jesus frees us from the law of sin and death. Now that you have been sin and death. Now that you have been sin and death. Now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves set free from sin and have become slaves set free from sin and have become slaves of God, which is just another way of of God, which is just another way of of God, which is just another way of saying are led by the Holy Spirit, saying are led by the Holy Spirit, saying are led by the Holy Spirit, the return you get is sanctification and the return you get is sanctification and the return you get is sanctification and its end its end its end eternal life. eternal life. eternal life. Or to paraphrase, the return you get Or to paraphrase, the return you get Or to paraphrase, the return you get from being freed from the law of sin and from being freed from the law of sin and from being freed from the law of sin and death and being ruled by the Spirit of death and being ruled by the Spirit of death and being ruled by the Spirit of life is sanctification and its end no life is sanctification and its end no life is sanctification and its end no condemnation. condemnation. condemnation. The logic of Romans 8:1 and 2 is exactly The logic of Romans 8:1 and 2 is exactly The logic of Romans 8:1 and 2 is exactly the same as the logic of Romans 6:22. the same as the logic of Romans 6:22. the same as the logic of Romans 6:22. Those who can count on eternal life, Those who can count on eternal life, Those who can count on eternal life, those who can say of themselves no those who can say of themselves no those who can say of themselves no condemnation are only those in whom the condemnation are only those in whom the condemnation are only those in whom the Holy Spirit reigns Holy Spirit reigns Holy Spirit reigns to liberate us from the law of sin and to liberate us from the law of sin and to liberate us from the law of sin and death. As many as are led by the Spirit, death. As many as are led by the Spirit, death. As many as are led by the Spirit, these are the sons of God and nobody these are the sons of God and nobody these are the sons of God and nobody else.

else. else. Now, I want to step back for a moment Now, I want to step back for a moment Now, I want to step back for a moment and make sure that you really understand and make sure that you really understand and make sure that you really understand what I'm saying because it is not very what I'm saying because it is not very what I'm saying because it is not very often said this way. often said this way. often said this way. The coming of the Holy Spirit into the The coming of the Holy Spirit into the The coming of the Holy Spirit into the life of a person and the reigning of life of a person and the reigning of life of a person and the reigning of that Holy Spirit to overcome the law of that Holy Spirit to overcome the law of that Holy Spirit to overcome the law of sin and death always accompanies genuine sin and death always accompanies genuine sin and death always accompanies genuine faith. faith. faith. We learn this from Galatians chapter 3 We learn this from Galatians chapter 3 We learn this from Galatians chapter 3 verses 2 through 5. verses 2 through 5. verses 2 through 5. Paul asked a series of questions here, Paul asked a series of questions here, Paul asked a series of questions here, which he expects the answer to be which he expects the answer to be which he expects the answer to be obvious to. obvious to. obvious to. I think they are. I think they are. I think they are. Let me ask you only this. Let me ask you only this. Let me ask you only this. Did you receive the spirit by works of Did you receive the spirit by works of Did you receive the spirit by works of the law or by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? Are you so foolish? Having begun with the spirit, are you Having begun with the spirit, are you Having begun with the spirit, are you now ending with the flesh? now ending with the flesh? now ending with the flesh? Did you experience so many things in Did you experience so many things in Did you experience so many things in vain? If it really is in vain, does he vain? If it really is in vain, does he vain? If it really is in vain, does he who supplies the spirit to you and works who supplies the spirit to you and works who supplies the spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of law miracles among you do so by works of law miracles among you do so by works of law or by the hearing of faith?

or by the hearing of faith? or by the hearing of faith? And the answer is clear, not by works of And the answer is clear, not by works of And the answer is clear, not by works of the law, but by the hearing of faith. the law, but by the hearing of faith. the law, but by the hearing of faith. It is faith by which we receive the Holy It is faith by which we receive the Holy It is faith by which we receive the Holy Spirit. It is faith by which the Holy Spirit. It is faith by which the Holy Spirit. It is faith by which the Holy Spirit reigns in our lives to overcome Spirit reigns in our lives to overcome Spirit reigns in our lives to overcome the power of sin and death. And wherever the power of sin and death. And wherever the power of sin and death. And wherever you find a person you find a person you find a person who day by day is putting his confidence who day by day is putting his confidence who day by day is putting his confidence in the promises of God, there you find a in the promises of God, there you find a in the promises of God, there you find a person in whom the the law of the spirit person in whom the the law of the spirit person in whom the the law of the spirit of life is liberating him from the law of life is liberating him from the law of life is liberating him from the law of sin and death. To live by faith of sin and death. To live by faith of sin and death. To live by faith and to live by the power of the Holy and to live by the power of the Holy and to live by the power of the Holy Spirit are not two things, but one Spirit are not two things, but one Spirit are not two things, but one thing. thing. thing. They are the same thing viewed from They are the same thing viewed from They are the same thing viewed from different angles. different angles. different angles. Paul says in Romans 8:14, "All who are Paul says in Romans 8:14, "All who are Paul says in Romans 8:14, "All who are led by the Holy Spirit led by the Holy Spirit led by the Holy Spirit are the sons of God. are the sons of God. are the sons of God. John says in chapter 1 verse 12, as many John says in chapter 1 verse 12, as many John says in chapter 1 verse 12, as many as received Christ, to them gave he the as received Christ, to them gave he the as received Christ, to them gave he the power to become sons of God. As many as power to become sons of God. As many as power to become sons of God. As many as believed on him.

believed on him. believed on him. In order to be a son of God, we must In order to be a son of God, we must In order to be a son of God, we must believe. believe. believe. And in order to be a son of God, we must And in order to be a son of God, we must And in order to be a son of God, we must be led by the Holy Spirit. And these are be led by the Holy Spirit. And these are be led by the Holy Spirit. And these are not two conditions, they are one not two conditions, they are one not two conditions, they are one condition. Because it is by faith that condition. Because it is by faith that condition. Because it is by faith that we receive the Holy Spirit, and it is by we receive the Holy Spirit, and it is by we receive the Holy Spirit, and it is by faith that the Holy Spirit reigns in our faith that the Holy Spirit reigns in our faith that the Holy Spirit reigns in our lives to overcome the power of sin. lives to overcome the power of sin. lives to overcome the power of sin. On the one hand, Romans 5:1 says On the one hand, Romans 5:1 says On the one hand, Romans 5:1 says we're justified we're justified we're justified by faith. by faith. by faith. And on the other hand, Romans 8:1 and 2 And on the other hand, Romans 8:1 and 2 And on the other hand, Romans 8:1 and 2 says, there is therefore now no says, there is therefore now no says, there is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ condemnation to those who are in Christ condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. For Jesus. For Jesus. For in that person, the law of the spirit of in that person, the law of the spirit of in that person, the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has freed them from life in Christ Jesus has freed them from life in Christ Jesus has freed them from the law of sin the law of sin the law of sin and death. and death. and death. In other words, freedom from In other words, freedom from In other words, freedom from condemnation in Romans 8:1 and 2 is made condemnation in Romans 8:1 and 2 is made condemnation in Romans 8:1 and 2 is made contingent upon whether or not the Holy contingent upon whether or not the Holy contingent upon whether or not the Holy Spirit is freeing us from sin in real Spirit is freeing us from sin in real Spirit is freeing us from sin in real life.

life. life. The faith which justifies is that by The faith which justifies is that by The faith which justifies is that by which God supplies us with the Spirit which God supplies us with the Spirit which God supplies us with the Spirit and by which he works liberation within and by which he works liberation within and by which he works liberation within us, so that the two conditions for us, so that the two conditions for us, so that the two conditions for justification are not two conditions, justification are not two conditions, justification are not two conditions, they are one condition. Faith they are one condition. Faith they are one condition. Faith and being led by the Holy Spirit. And and being led by the Holy Spirit. And and being led by the Holy Spirit. And oh, how I hope you grasp what I'm saying oh, how I hope you grasp what I'm saying oh, how I hope you grasp what I'm saying and do not commit one of two possible and do not commit one of two possible and do not commit one of two possible errors. errors. errors. Cuz this is so important. Cuz this is so important. Cuz this is so important. And here the two possible mistakes that And here the two possible mistakes that And here the two possible mistakes that can be made. can be made. can be made. One person can be saying right now One person can be saying right now One person can be saying right now God, is a lot of baloney. All you have God, is a lot of baloney. All you have God, is a lot of baloney. All you have to do is accept Jesus as your savior, to do is accept Jesus as your savior, to do is accept Jesus as your savior, and it doesn't matter whether the Holy and it doesn't matter whether the Holy and it doesn't matter whether the Holy Spirit is reigning in your life Spirit is reigning in your life Spirit is reigning in your life overcoming sin. overcoming sin. overcoming sin. The grave danger that that person is The grave danger that that person is The grave danger that that person is committing committing committing is threefold. One, is threefold. One, is threefold. One, he is demeaning and distorting and he is demeaning and distorting and he is demeaning and distorting and belittling the nature of faith. belittling the nature of faith. belittling the nature of faith. Two, Two, Two, he is contradicting Romans 8:1 and 2 and he is contradicting Romans 8:1 and 2 and he is contradicting Romans 8:1 and 2 and much of the teaching of Jesus. And much of the teaching of Jesus. And much of the teaching of Jesus. And three, and worst of all, he is running three, and worst of all, he is running three, and worst of all, he is running the risk of hearing Jesus say on the the risk of hearing Jesus say on the the risk of hearing Jesus say on the judgment day, "Depart from me, you judgment day, "Depart from me, you judgment day, "Depart from me, you workers of iniquity. I never knew you."

workers of iniquity. I never knew you." workers of iniquity. I never knew you." There's another mistake There's another mistake There's another mistake that's that's just as dangerous and that's that's just as dangerous and that's that's just as dangerous and maybe more common. I'm not sure. maybe more common. I'm not sure. maybe more common. I'm not sure. That mistake would be a person who says, That mistake would be a person who says, That mistake would be a person who says, "Oh, no. "Oh, no. "Oh, no. Not another legalistic load to carry. I Not another legalistic load to carry. I Not another legalistic load to carry. I cannot do it. I've had it up to here cannot do it. I've had it up to here cannot do it. I've had it up to here with do's and don'ts. The Christian life with do's and don'ts. The Christian life with do's and don'ts. The Christian life is impossible. I quit." That's a possible response to what I'm That's a possible response to what I'm saying. saying. saying. But wait a minute. But wait a minute. But wait a minute. You don't want to believe in a Christ You don't want to believe in a Christ You don't want to believe in a Christ who makes no difference in your life. who makes no difference in your life. who makes no difference in your life. Who wants a Jesus who is so nothing that Who wants a Jesus who is so nothing that Who wants a Jesus who is so nothing that all he can produce is a bunch of people all he can produce is a bunch of people all he can produce is a bunch of people who who mouth religious platitudes and who who mouth religious platitudes and who who mouth religious platitudes and then go right on thinking, acting, and then go right on thinking, acting, and then go right on thinking, acting, and believing the way everybody else in the believing the way everybody else in the believing the way everybody else in the world believes. We don't want that. world believes. We don't want that. world believes. We don't want that. Nobody wants a Jesus like that. Nobody wants a Jesus like that. Nobody wants a Jesus like that. But we know But we know But we know we're imperfect people. we're imperfect people. we're imperfect people. We still sin. We still sin. We still sin. We want the Holy Spirit to reign and We want the Holy Spirit to reign and We want the Holy Spirit to reign and give us victory over our sins, but we give us victory over our sins, but we give us victory over our sins, but we despair.

despair. despair. Do not let Satan overcome you with Do not let Satan overcome you with Do not let Satan overcome you with counsels of despair because I have not counsels of despair because I have not counsels of despair because I have not said, the New Testament has not said, said, the New Testament has not said, said, the New Testament has not said, and God has not said you must earn your and God has not said you must earn your and God has not said you must earn your justification by works. Did you receive the Spirit by works of Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law the law the law or by the hearing of faith? or by the hearing of faith? or by the hearing of faith? And if it was by the hearing of faith, And if it was by the hearing of faith, And if it was by the hearing of faith, and if you began with the Spirit, don't and if you began with the Spirit, don't and if you began with the Spirit, don't try to be completed by the flesh, by try to be completed by the flesh, by try to be completed by the flesh, by your own unaided efforts. your own unaided efforts. your own unaided efforts. Remember this, Remember this, Remember this, the law of the Spirit of life in Christ the law of the Spirit of life in Christ the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus Jesus Jesus sets us free from the law of sin and sets us free from the law of sin and sets us free from the law of sin and death, not by works of the law, death, not by works of the law, death, not by works of the law, but but but by [music] faith, by daily by [music] faith, by daily by [music] faith, by daily relying on the promises relying on the promises relying on the promises >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> of the gospel. >> of the gospel. >> of the gospel. >> Thank you for listening to this episode >> Thank you for listening to this episode >> Thank you for listening to this episode of Light and Truth, where we are of Light and Truth, where we are of Light and Truth, where we are committed to providing God-centered committed to providing God-centered committed to providing God-centered preaching to help you see Christ clearly preaching to help you see Christ clearly preaching to help you see Christ clearly and treasure him truly.

and treasure him truly. and treasure him truly. I'm your host, Dan Cruver. I'm your host, Dan Cruver. I'm your host, Dan Cruver. On our next episode, John Piper On our next episode, John Piper On our next episode, John Piper continues our six-part series, The continues our six-part series, The continues our six-part series, The Cross, The Spirit, and The Final Day, Cross, The Spirit, and The Final Day, Cross, The Spirit, and The Final Day, with a message titled, Faith Sets Love with a message titled, Faith Sets Love with a message titled, Faith Sets Love Free. I hope you'll join us. Free. I hope you'll join us. Free. I hope you'll join us. For more resources, [music] For more resources, [music] For more resources, [music] visit desiringgod.org.