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Bring Back the Joy --- B B t J . O r g
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The Royal Law of Liberty by Darwin Chandler
(A Book Review by Virginia H. Lane)
What is the meaning of Freedom in Religion? Many who believe
in Christ are bound in legalism. Darwin Chandler's The Royal Law
of Liberty: Living in Freedom under Christ's Law of Love shows the reader
how we have allowed religion to enslave believers by preaching man's Word
instead of the teachings of Christ.
We have often been taught that God loves us because we are obedient to his
rules. Chandler offers instead that God loved us first so that
he sent his Son to earth to redeem us (John 3:16). Because he loved us first,
then we love him. (I John 4:19) In that love, we seek him and wish
to please him, just as we would follow any loving parent. A parent
loves his child even if they don't always make the best of choices.
This is the way God views those who have dedicated their life and believe
system to him.
"Legalism" is simply attempting to relate to God on the basis of obedience
to law. The Old Testament system was legalistic. There was no
other avenue of approach to God except through His Law." (p. 118) Although
mankind today rejects much of the Old Testament law, many of the rules of
today's society are based on concepts contained in the statutes and judgments.
Chandler's scholarly tome is the result of 36 years of active ministry during
which he discovered Grace and Mercy. Like others, he had believed that once
one accepted Christ as their Savior, then they should proceed to obey a series
of laws mandated by the "church" in the name of Christ. These rules
are anything from "pray 30 minutes ever day" to "women's skirts must
come below the knee." Chandler asks, "Where does it say this in the
Bible?"
One also has to ask if some of the either the Old Testament (OT) or New Testament
(NT) mandates were of everlasting nature or if they were being said in response
to the culture of the time. However, the big question is if the item
in question follows the Law of Love as given in James 2:8. This follows along
with Matthew 22:37-41 which tells us that the all the OT laws were based
on loving God, self and others. Chandler shares with us his research
on what this means and how God's love conflicts with the Legalism of many
churches.
I have to admit that I read The Royal Law of Liberty with reluctance
because it isn't an easy read. There are no pictures and very little
white space on the pages. However, I found that the material contained
therein was amazingly accurate per my experience in organized religion.
I spent many years in a church that had so many "dos and don'ts" that I thought
God would zap me if I did something remotely sinful.
Chandler showed me the real issue is one of the heart. "After 2000
years we should all know better than to try to earn God's favor by our own
works." (p.376) He explains the difference between works out of obedience
and works of love. "God now asks, 'Do you or do you not love Me.'
He looks now at our motives. One who loves God and trusts Him will
"work" but not as motivated by commands. God judges all action based
on heart condition. The issue with God--as it must be with us--is not
praying or not praying, tithing or not, church going or not, drinking wine
or not, smoking or not, wearing shorts or not... As we have seen so often
in this study, God is concerned with why we do or don't do."
I took notes when I read this book, in hopes of transferring to you the value
of spending time reading such a work. However, I find it impossible
to tell you all that I learned. The Royal Law of Liberty showed me
the goodness of God and that life doesn't have to be all black and white.
" Presented in five parts: The Foundation of Liberty, The True Nature of
Morality, The Scourge of Legalism, Liberation from Law, and Our Emancipation
Proclamation, this work does not advocate freedom from Morality or the absence
of conscience. Chandler advocates that all actions be considered in
the light of love toward God, Self and Others. Salvation is by Grace.
However, freedom within Grace and Mercy is not a license to Sin. Rather,
it is the knowledge that God has forgiven us when we slip and do something
contrary to God's will for our life. "Each one of us is responsible before
God to learn His will the best we can, then make our informed, conscientious
decisions about what we do (Rom 14:5,12,22). (p. 97)
Everyone should ask the following question:
- "Have I honestly examined all the available evidence?
- Is my conclusion consistent with the meaning of God's Words?
- Is my conclusion consistent with love for God: Will this action offend
Him?
- Is my conclusion consistent with love for man: Will this action hurt
another person?
- Do I give God thanks for the good I enjoy?" (p. 97-98)
This reviewer (Virginia) proposes adding one more question implied by the
author in his material:
- Is my conclusion consistent with Love for Self: Will this action hurt
me?
With these questions in mind, one can determine his or her actions guided
by the strength of God's word and not another person's opinion. Yes,
we should be careful not to give offense. But we also need to question
some of the 20/21st century religion laws that we have obeyed without question.
"Is that really in the Bible?"
If you have ever struggled with some of the things you've been told by religious
authorities, The Royal Law of Liberty is for you. By reading this,
work you may find that some of the feelings/questions you've had really were
valid. We should seek the liberty that God gives us because of His
love for us and our love for Him. Realize that Love is outward.
God is Love and by following Him, we in turn will be Love. (I John 4:8, 16)
On the back cover:
People have endured the most extreme physical and psychological conditions
imaginable in order to escape from bondage and to live in freedom.
Wars are fought at a staggering cost of human life, in order to win or preserve
freedom.
Jesus died on a cross to purchase our spiritual freedom.
How free do you feel--spiritually free I mean? Do you regularly regret
doing things you know you "shouldn't have done"? When you "sin" do
you feel ashamed in the presence of God; do you hesitate to pray or worship
because you feel so "guilty"? How do you think God responds to your spiritual
failures? Do you believe that He frowns with disfavor and withdraws
from you? How are you doing at "overcoming temptation"?
How many things would you like to do that you cannot do because your conscience
will not allow it? Are there a large number of things on your list
of taboos? How many of those things can you actually find mentioned
in the Bible? If someone asked you, "How do you know that act is sin?"
could you show them where the Bible says it is sin?
Why do you go to church, tithe, pray, read the word and do other religious
things? Do you fear God will punish you, or love you less, or bless
you less if you don't? Do you feel that you must do these things in
order to get closer to God? In your relationship with God, do you place
heavy emphasis on the things you must do to please Him? Can you even
imagine a spiritual life without primary emphasis on your obedience to God's
commands?
We think we can guess how you answer most of these questions. Most
of us answer them the same way. This book points the way out of bondage to
our own works, both good and bad. We can have a relationship with God
that does not rise and fall to the tune of our spiritual successes and failures.
Spiritual liberty is real. We can be free from commands and rules;
Free to govern ourselves under Christ's law of Love. It cost the blood
of Jesus to purchase this freedom for us. We invite you to join us
as we pursue the experience of Christian Liberty!
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