Living Free from the Grip of the Law

Walking in the newness of the Spirit, no longer driven by the old letter

Devotional Credit: Day by Day by Grace by Bob Hoekstra
Photo Credit: Unsplash

Many Christians rightly rejoice in the truth that we are justified by grace through faith, apart from the works of the law. But fewer realize that the same truth that set us free for salvation also sets us free for sanctification. Today’s devotional from Bob Hoekstra gently uncovers the subtle but widespread misunderstanding that sanctification depends on our performance under the law. The author walks us from the familiar legal verdict of being guilty before God into the liberating promise of dying with Christ—and being raised to serve in a new and living way, not under the letter of the law but in the life of the Spirit.

Romans 7 reminds us that the law had dominion over us as long as we lived—that is, as long as we were functioning in our old, Adamic life. But we died with Christ. The “us” who was condemned under the law no longer lives. And the “new creation” who rose with Christ is not under law but under grace. This is not just a heavenly legal status—it is a real, ongoing freedom to walk in union with the indwelling Christ here and now.

So many believers unknowingly try to grow in Christ by using the law as their guide. But when they do, they’re actually putting themselves back under the very thing they were delivered from. Paul makes it clear: we are to serve in the newness of the Spirit, not in the oldness of the letter. That means we trust the living Christ within to express Himself through us, not consult a list of dos and don’ts as if we were still spiritually dead.

This is the daily freedom God wants for us—not just to be saved by grace, but to be sanctified by grace. We are not left to manage our walk through law-based self-effort. We have died to that. Now, we are free to live by trusting the indwelling Spirit of Christ to lead us, moment by moment, into the life He already gave us.

Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture

My child, I have not called you to live for Me—I have called you to live from Me. The law had rightful claim over the one you once were, but that old self was crucified with Me. You have died to the law through My body, and now you belong to Another—to Me, the risen Christ. You are no longer bound to serve under obligation and striving. You are free to walk in union with Me, for I live in you.

I did not raise you from death so that you could return to the pressure of performance. You are not under law but under grace. You are not trying to become righteous—you are already righteous in Me. You are not trying to meet a standard—you are joined to the Standard Himself. I do not demand that you try harder; I invite you to rest deeper.

Do not measure yourself by the law—it was given to expose sin, not to produce life. Let Me lead you with My Spirit, not drive you with external rules. The old covenant was written on stone; the new covenant is written on your heart. You are Mine, and I am yours. I will cause you to walk in My ways, not by coercion but by communion.

So today, abide in Me. Trust My presence within you. I will guide you in the path of righteousness, not by your grit, but by My grace. And in that grace, you will bear fruit—not because of the letter, but because of the Life.

Scripture References: Romans 6:6–7; Romans 7:1–6; Romans 3:19, 28; Galatians 2:20; Galatians 3:24–25; Galatians 5:1, 16–18; Colossians 2:6, 20–23; 2 Corinthians 3:5–6; Hebrews 8:10; Ezekiel 36:27; Philippians 2:13; John 15:4–5

Real-Life Analogy

Imagine a GPS navigation system that was installed in your car years ago. Back then, you relied on it to get everywhere, even though it was clunky and often led you down outdated roads. But now, your car has been upgraded with a state-of-the-art, real-time navigation system that knows your position, adapts to traffic, and guides you gently and clearly wherever you go. Yet out of habit, you keep glancing at the old unit, forgetting that it's disconnected, obsolete, and no longer speaking truth.

This is what it’s like to live by the law after having been joined to Jesus. The law may look familiar, but it no longer has the authority to direct your steps. The Holy Spirit within you is now your Guide—always present, always accurate, always aligned with the will of the Father. He doesn’t merely tell you where to go; He goes with you.

So in today’s moments—whether you’re faced with a critical decision, a frustrating encounter, or a quiet, unremarkable task—you can whisper, Lord, I trust You to express Your life in and through me right now. I yield to Your Spirit, not the pressure of performance. That’s freedom.

Prayer of Confidence

Father, thank You that I’ve died with Christ and no longer live under the burden of law. Thank You that You didn’t just rescue me from the penalty of sin, but from the bondage of trying to live righteously by my own efforts. You’ve given me Christ as my life, and You’ve placed Your Spirit within me to guide me in Your ways. I’m no longer under the old letter—I now walk in the newness of life. Today, I trust You to live through me, not by command but by communion. Thank You for this freedom. Thank You for this Life. Amen.