The word rule is where we get the word canon from--the canon of Scriptures. It was a rod of measurement; a ruler. We can measure ourselves by the rule the Scripture provides to see if we are authentic. The rule is found in Galatians 6:14-15. It has to do with the work of Christ for us and in us. You cannot have the one without the other. (1) The work of Christ for us: “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” A true believer will have confidence only in what Christ did for him. If I have confidence in anything else, I am exposed as spurious. (2) The work of Christ in us: “For in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision availed anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.” I know the work of Christ in me is a new creation. He created in me that which was not there before. In creation, God created something from nothing. I know that the faith I have came from Him. I know that the love I have to Him came from Him. In the first creation, man did not contribute. That is equally true in the new creation. “As many as walk according to this rule (the work of Christ for us and in us) peace be on them, and mercy and upon the Israel of God.”

Pastor Todd Nibert

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