Scripture is clear that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. However, it is also clear that we are to seek and pursue righteousness as New Covenant believers (e.g., Matthew 6:33; 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:22) . The question becomes: if we are no longer under law, how do we seek righteousness and develop Christ-like character without getting into works of the law? The answer: by walking in the Spirit (Galatians 5:18). Those who have died with Christ must now live “according to the Spirit”; they are to walk by the Spirit (Gal. 5:16), be led of the Spirit (v. 18), bear the fruit of the Spirit (v. 22), behave according to the Spirit (v. 25), and sow to the Spirit (6:8). The coming of the Spirit marks the beginning of the end of life “according to the flesh.” Check out this audio message if you would like learn more about the absolute necessity of living your entire life by the Holy Spirit.
