For the mindset of the flesh is death, but the mindset of the Ruach [Spirit] is life and shalom [peace]. Romans 8:6, TLV

A Beautiful Turn of the Phrase.  Goodness. Did you read all of chapter 8? If you haven’t, I highly recommend it. The chapter further demonstrates the brilliance and incredible ability for Paul to turn a beautiful phrase. Today’s verse is a perfect example. As an author, I appreciate the gift other authors have in putting together the perfect words to form a sentence that resonates deep within us. So beautiful, so meaningful, you want to read it over and over again.

Then, the meaning of the verse adds another layer of beauty. To top all this off, it is the word of GOD and presented to us to show us His heart toward us.

For the law of the Spirit of life in Messiah Yeshua [Jesus] has set you free from the law of sin and death. (8:2) [Emphasis Mine]

What does “set you free from the law of sin and death” mean? Does it mean we no longer need to follow the law? Nope. Does it mean we will no longer sin? If only it did.

Do we then nullify the Torah [Law] through faithfulness? May it never be! On the contrary, we uphold the Torah. Romans 3:31, TLV [Emphasis Mine]

With all the brilliance and great writing, feeling confused? What is Paul saying? He’s helping us understand the prophecy of the New Covenant. And as non-Jewish and Jewish people, it is an important message and will help us in these days.

“But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days”
—it is a declaration of ADONAI [the LORD]—
“I will put My Torah [Law] within them.
Yes, I will write it on their heart.
I will be their God
and they will be My people.” (Jeremiah 31:35, TLV) [Emphasis Mine]

Here it is. Jeremiah writes the words from our Heavenly Father’s heart. The reason He sent His only Son to earth was to atone for our sins — forever. I can’t help but get emotional every time I read them. The Law would be written in our hearts when we become His. The Creator of the Universe wants to be our Dad! So of course, we would want to please Him. Not because we have to, but because we love Him.

So, the Law written in our hearts becomes part of our spirit — not flesh. The Law on scrolls, tablets, Bibles, our phones is physical and in of itself carries penalties of death to those who are not our Father’s redeemed children. As His redeemed children — redeemed because His Son fulfilled the Law for us (Matthew 5:17), and our sins His blood atoned for us (Hebrews 2:17) — we suffer no penalty of the Law which is death. Our spirits have life eternal. And, one day our bodies will, too.

A beautiful turn of phrase. An eternal message of encouragement. That Paul, what a writer!

Have a wonderful day, with the knowledge you are eternally loved. Shabbat shalom!