“The law of the LORD is perfect and preserves one’s life. The rules set down by the LORD are reliable and impart wisdom to the inexperienced.” There is no forgiveness in the law, although it commands to forgive. The law of love reveals the character of God and the character of the sinner because all have fallen short of the glory of God. The law is legal and our legal debt, which is the wages of sin(lawlessness) is death, was paid by Jesus. The law condemns justly and Jesus offers forgiveness, to justify us. In this way God is “just and the justifier of the one who lives because of Jesus’ faithfulness.”
Why is the result of rebellion against the law of love death? Just as Jesus embodied perfect love fulfilling the law, we have embodied corrupted love including rebellion against God and each other ever since rebellion entered earth. God is perfectly holy and a consuming fire who removes sin and He will not let rebellion enter the second time.
The result of rebellion against the law of love being death is deeply rooted in the nature of God and the purpose of His law. Here’s an exploration of the reasoning:
1. The Law of Love as the Foundation of Life
The law of love reflects God’s character: His holiness, righteousness, and life-giving nature. To rebel against this law is to reject the very source of life. In John 1:4, it says, “In Him was life, and that life was the light of men.” Rejecting God’s law is turning away from life itself, leaving only death as the inevitable consequence.
2. The Nature of God’s Holiness
God’s holiness is described as a “consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:29). Sin, which is lawlessness (1 John 3:4), cannot coexist with His perfect holiness. When rebellion enters the presence of God, it is destroyed, not because God is cruel, but because His holiness inherently consumes all that is impure. This is why no one can see God and live without being purified (Exodus 33:20).
3. The Wages of Sin is Death
Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2), who is the source of life. This separation results in spiritual and, ultimately, physical death. Death is not just a punishment but a natural outcome of being disconnected from the Creator.
4. God’s Justice and Mercy in Harmony
God’s justice demands that rebellion be dealt with; otherwise, He would not be perfectly just. Yet, His mercy provides a way for forgiveness through Jesus, who took upon Himself the penalty of sin (Isaiah 53:5). Jesus perfectly embodied the law of love and willingly laid down His life to pay the debt of rebellion. Through His sacrifice, God remains “just and the justifier” (Romans 3:26), offering forgiveness without compromising His justice.
5. Rebellion Cannot Enter the New Creation
God’s plan includes the creation of a new heaven and earth where righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13). Allowing rebellion to enter again would corrupt this perfect state. Thus, sin and rebellion must be eradicated to ensure eternal peace, joy, and life in God’s presence.
Conclusion
Rebellion against the law of love leads to death because it severs the relationship with the source of life, God Himself. It’s not merely a legal consequence but a spiritual reality. God’s holiness cannot tolerate sin, yet His love provides a path to reconciliation through Jesus, who fulfills the law perfectly and enables us to be transformed into His likeness. Thus, God’s justice and mercy converge, ensuring that He remains holy while offering life to those who trust in Him.