What does Ellen White write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "What is the relationship between the work of the Spirit and the law in Galatians 5:18?"
Answer
The relationship between the work of the Spirit and the law in Galatians 5:18 demonstrates that one can fulfill the demands of the law only through the guidance of the Spirit, without being under its condemnation. Whoever is led by the Spirit is “not under the law,” because the Spirit defeats the works of the flesh and instead produces fruit that aligns with God’s law. The law is opposed to the works of the flesh, but since the Spirit works obedience, there is perfect harmony between a Spirit-led life and the law.
The Guidance of the Spirit as Fulfillment of the Law
»The flesh and the Spirit are opposed to each other; but there is no law against the fruit of the Spirit. Therefore the law is directed against the works of the flesh... All who are led by the Spirit are in full harmony with the law and therefore are not under it. Here we again see that the issue was not whether the law should be kept or not... but the question was how it could be fulfilled... The Holy Spirit is the life of God; God is love; love is the fulfillment of the law; the law is spiritual. Therefore anyone who wants to be spiritual must submit to God’s righteousness... Whoever is led by the Spirit must keep the law, not as a condition for receiving the Spirit, but as a necessary result.«
Under the Law vs. Guidance by the Spirit
»“But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” Since those who are led by the Spirit are not under the law, it follows that those who are not led by the Spirit are under the law... Since those who are led by the Spirit are not under the law, and those who are not led by the Spirit are under the law, it follows that those who are under the law are the ones who fulfill the desires of the flesh.«
Freedom from the Law through Spiritual Life
»“If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” But this does not mean that the Spirit gives one permission to break the law; for “the law is spiritual.” There is no freedom in sin, and “sin is the transgression of the law.” The freedom of the covenant from above is therefore that perfect freedom that belongs only to those who keep the law. We become law-abiding only because the law is written in our hearts by the Spirit.«
No Condemnation for the Fruit of the Spirit
»But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, chastity: there is no law against such. ... God’s law does not condemn those who possess these virtues, nor does it keep them in bondage, because they obey the requirements of God’s law. They are law‑keepers and ... are not under the bondage of the law.«
Original Sources (English)
Stephan Krol
Founder of EGW Vision
Why I built EGW Vision
Hello, I am Stephan Krol. I started this Ellen White website to make the writings of Ellen G. White and the Adventist pioneers easier to access for everyone.
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