“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” vs17

Here is the fundamental principle of the gospel: Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

This is not accomplished by man; it’s given by grace. He sets us free from the law that condemns us into the arms of Christ. Like the woman taken in adultery, we are liberated by no condemnation to sin no more. Then, He sends us the Spirit [Rom 8:1-2].

He is not a taskmaster holding us bound. He doesn’t demand that we make bricks without straw. Instead, He ministers to us, giving us the gift of righteousness.

“For if the ministry of condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry of righteousness!” vs9

He transforms us by the Spirit, because we are justified, saying,

“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” vs18

The Spirit is God’s gift, because He looks upon us in pity! Rather than condemn for sins, He helps us. This is the universal testimony of the gospel; it is life for the dead, healing for the broken, and deliverance for the captives. He says,

“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me,

because the LORD has anointed Me

to preach good news to the poor.

He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted,

to proclaim liberty to the captives

and freedom to the prisoners,” --Isa 61:1

This is the new covenant that’s far greater than the old, because there’s no remembrance of sins and power over them. This gracious gift is the GREATER GLORY of God [2 Cor 3:11].

Poor sinner, look to Him. Child of God, keep your eyes on Christ. We have a new Master, and He will put holiness in us. Yoke yourself to Him and learn of Him.

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” --Matt 11:29