Acts That Lead To Death

People often get caught up in defining sin and avoiding sin. Sin is dangerous. But the Bible paints a picture of something else that we need to avoid - Acts that lead to death.

You might be thinking, "Aren't these the same thing?" Interestingly no.

Hebrews 9:14 (Amplified Bible)

¹⁴How much more surely shall the blood of Christ, Who by virtue of [His] eternal Spirit [His own preexistent divine personality] has offered Himself as an unblemished sacrifice to God, purify our consciences from dead works and lifeless observances to serve the [ever] living God?
Some other translations say "Acts that lead to death" and also "Useless rituals".
All of these are describing participation in the Law. Most people don't realize the Law mentality they have. If you are constantly going to God for forgiveness, you might be allowing yourself to fall into this.
You see, the blood of Christ ensures total forgiveness. There is no longer a need to make sacrifices (constantly asking for forgiveness).

Hebrews 9:15 (Amplified Bible)

¹⁵[Christ, the Messiah] is therefore the Negotiator and Mediator of an [entirely] new agreement (testament, covenant), so that those who are called and offered it may receive the fulfillment of the promised everlasting inheritance--since a death has taken place which rescues and delivers and redeems them from the transgressions committed under the [old] first agreement.
How we relate to God shouldn't look anything like what you see in the Old Testament. Our agreement is totally new and is totally based on Jesus.
Useless rituals cause us to have a performance mentality. When we are always thinking about how we appear before God there is no time to meditate on Jesus. If we can't do this, we will never be able to serve God.

Jesus or Moses - You can only pick one

John 1:17 - The Law was given through Moses; Grace and Truth came through Jesus Christ.

-It was important to God to show up himself to bring something so wonderful. The Law is impersonal. You can't have a relationship with two tablets of stone, but you can with Jesus Christ.

John 5:39-40 "You diligently study the Scriptures (Law of Moses) because you think that by them you posses eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me and have life."

-A list of do's and don'ts isn't what God intended for man. They certainly don't give you life. Only grace and truth from a relationship with Jesus gives life. Real life.

John 6:28-33 "What is the work that God requires?"

Jesus responds, "The work of God is to believe in the one He has sent."

"Show us a sign! Show us a miracle so that we will believe you. Our ancestors ate the bread from heaven that testified to Moses."

Jesus responds, "Moses didn't give them bread, but it was from my Father who gives you the true bread of life. The bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives it to the world."

-People are still trying to please God with there deeds. The true "work" is to believe in Jesus. This one work will produce a life lead by the spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patients, Kindness, Gentleness, and Self-control.

John 5:45 - "But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses (The Law), on whom your hopes are set."

-Your self-righteous (Righteousness by your works, feeling righteous when you do good things) will be condemned by the Law because you must be perfect in order to be righteous by Gods standard. Mess up once and you deserve death.

Grace will frustrate your self-righteousness. When you realize you can't earn grace (unmerited favor), your flesh will cry out to justify itself, but you will know that only Jesus can make you right.

If you are relying on any kind of self-holiness, self-righteous, or self-justification by observing what you think is God's law, be warned - "Anyone who relies on being justified by the law is under a curse" Galatians 3:10-11 (See also - Romans 3:20). The Law will condemn you in front of God the Father.

John 8:15 - "You judge by human standards; I pass judgement on no one."

-Jesus is full of grace. This verse comes right after He said to the woman caught in adultery, "I don't condemn you."

John 6:34-40 -"I am the bread of life. Everyone who comes to me will never go hungry, anyone who believes in me will never go thirsty. Whoever comes to me I will never drive away. I am here to do my Father's will - who ever believes in the Son shall have eternal life."

-The Law of Moses clearly isn't the will of God. Salvation through grace is the will of God. Jesus will not drive anyone away by any means - sickness, disaster, pain, condemnation... These are works of the devil. Don't credit them to Jesus.

Choose life! Choose Jesus! Only rely on Him.