I Fought the Law and Christ Won!

There is an old song that I love called “I Fought the Law.” The hook sings (over and over again), “I fought the law and the law won!” The verses tell the story of a troubled soul who commits crimes and suffers the consequences. The message is clear: those who fight against the law will lose.

In one way, the song illustrates a characteristic of the human soul. In our natural state, we rail against rules and regulations. Even when it comes to God’s law, our instinct is to fight it.

The Apostle Paul says this rebellious instinct is actually revealed by the law itself. Romans 7 says, “Nevertheless, I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, ‘You shall not covet.’” In other words, the law reveals our wrong inclination to fight. It reveals our inclination to fight a losing fight.

Unlike the song, God’s law does not point out our rebellious instinct for the sake of defeating us. God’s law does this for the purpose of pointing us to Jesus. Paul goes on to say, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” Where the law reveals our rebellious instinct, Christ reveals (and offers) a law fulfilling Spirit.

As you go through the coming week, don’t bother fighting the law. Know that you have already won in Christ Jesus. Let that victory encourage you in fulfilling the law. As you do, you will find life in the law of the Spirit. You will also find no need to sing, “I fought the law and the law won!”