Two Perspectives: Under Law vs. Under Grace

View of the law

A set of detailed obligations that I must keep

Rigid application of case law

The underlying principles of the law describe the ultimate goal toward which God is moving me: a loving life-style

View of self

I am regenerate, and therefore I am able to keep the law.

The law helps me live for God.

I am regenerate, but I still can't keep the law, because of my "outer man."

By relying on the Spirit, not the letter, I can gradually change.

View of the Holy Spirit

Little practical understanding of the Spirit's ministries

Depends on the Holy Spirit for all power, Motivation, and direction

The "Key" to spiritual growth

Self discipline
or
Special experiences

Knows self-effort is futile Romans 7:18

Looks to a process, not to quick-fix experiences

Approach to Scripture

Relies on an inconsistent hermeneutic

Unable to harmonize Jesus and the epistles

Is consistent, and is able to harmonize the gospels and epistles

Mental focus

My duty: to do what the rules require

Identification with Christ

Personal relationship with God

Loving others as a means of growth

Reaction to failure

Surprised and distressed

Rationalizations, minimization, blame-shifting and self-recrimmination

Vows to do better

Not surprised

Confident of God's acceptance

Return to active dependence

Reaction to success

Proud and intolerant of others

Humbly grateful

Still able to empathize with those who fail

Sees continued need for growth

Eventual result

External conformity, but increasing internal defeat and hypocrisy

Growing cynicism and despair OR:
Self-righteous externalistic comparisons--self deception

Gradual transformation into a person with a measure of victory over sin and a spiritual mind-set

A more loving person