The Law Of Love

He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? - Romans 8:32

    Essentially, law is that which governs one’s actions whether it be inward or outward. The best illustration of this is the moving cause of the incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ—Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son the Propitiation for our sins (1 Jn 4:10). The love of God in Christ our Redeemer is the moving cause of the elect’s salvation. The law that sent Christ into the world to save sinners is the law of love.

    Likewise, the believer’s love for Christ is the motivation of his work of faith and labor of love. All else done in the name of Christ in religion is nothing more than a servile law with hope of reward or fear of punishment. Whatever we do, if love for Christ is not the moving cause, it is done in self-righteousness and for vain glory. Many, I fear, do what they do, whether little or much, because they feel that it is a duty, or out of necessity, or so they can feel good about themselves. These usually put limits and restraints upon themselves, fearing they might short themselves in some way. Where there is no love for Christ, the pleasures, comforts and security of the flesh, will have preeminence. This is true in every area of one’s life, whether it is the study of God’s Word, attending the worship services, giving, bearing others burdens, and in every area of commitment.

    When God saves sinners, he gives them a heart like his heart, a heart of love. The children of God have been regenerated by his Spirit. They have a desire and a love for Christ, his Gospel, their brothers and sisters, that moves them in kindness, tenderness, and generosity, without regard for reward or fear of loss. This is a spiritual matter, a matter of the heart that God alone can govern. And govern he does by his sovereign, eternal love. The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us (Rom 5:5).