Creeds, Laws & Heresies

Creeds have been written through the centuries to settle one side of arguments. Heresies are what they believe, creeds are what we believe. Modern versions try to be a bit more inclusive than just statements in opposition to heresies, and list all beliefs, and are sometimes called “statements of faith.” Catechisms are tests to uncover failure to memorize what “we” believe.

All of this is good for drawing lines around our camp and using them to exclude the heretics. None of it is really good at changing people’s hearts, though. Information is not what makes us able to walk in righteousness. Surrendering to the Spirit of Jesus makes us able to live a righteous life. Bearing the fruit of His influence and character (Galatians 5:22-23) creates behavior that is righteous.

His Spirit wants to work in us to want what is right. He wants to then make us able to do what He has inSpired us to desire (Philippians 2:12-13). When we walk in the Spirit, we really become “above the law.” As Peter and John said to the government that was persecuting them, “Whether it’s right in the sight of God for us to listen to you rather than to God, you decide; for we are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:19-2 HCSB ©®)

“Above the law” doesn’t mean at liberty to do evil with no consequence. It means free to obey the King of kings with no fear of consequence either from the King or the kings. Rules do not govern us. A Ruler does. Anyone who disagrees with His decrees of what should or should not be done is wrong. Anyone who obeys His leadership is righteous.