Now if the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at Moses' face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end, will not the ministry of the Spirit have even more glory? For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation, the ministry of righteousness must far exceed it in glory.

2 Corinthians 3:7-9 (ESV)

 

It was through His death on the cross that Jesus fulfilled the Old Covenant and established the New Covenant. Being set free from the punishment of the law we have no more fear of condemnation and wrath. Rather we can now enjoy a personal relationship with God.

The Law is undoubtedly good and holy, yet it only foreshadows the good and glorious things that will come from Christ. While the Law can teach us what is good and bad, it cannot transform us into better people. Thus, the Apostle Paul rightly preferred to the Law as “the ministry of condemnation and death,” in contrast to the gospel, which is the “ministry of righteousness.” The purpose of the Law was to show our need for Christ. It is through His finished work on the cross and His life in us through the Spirit that we are set free from the power of sin and death.

Being made alive together with Christ we have been given a new identity and a new way of life. Our new identity is determined by our new birth, not by our behaviour. Now in Christ, the character and status of our righteousness does not change, regardless of our actions or choices. However, if we continue to walk in the flesh rather than the Spirit, we will not experience victory or freedom.