Living Water

“Jesus answered … The water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:13,14).

These few words vividly describe the life under grace. They can best be understood when considered in contrast to the conditions of the life under law. The law is an external force that would restrain and suppress the natural desires of the flesh. The law says, Thou shalt and thou shalt not. The life under law is bondage. But the life of the one who drinks of the water of life is not one subject to outward restraint but a life that is like a well that springs up from within. It is the normal outliving of the new divine nature which is the possession of everyone that is born of God. Just as the life of an apple tree, when properly cared for, issues in fruit, so the unhindered natural operation of the divine life within the believer issues in the fruit of the Spirit. When this is seen and fully understood there will be no desire to hold on to the law as a means to Christian conduct.

—From Grace and Truth: The True Relationship Between Law and Grace by J.F. Strombeck

The Law of Moses presents a covenant of works to be wrought in the energy of the flesh; the teachings of grace present a covenant of faith to be wrought in the energy of the Spirit. —Lewis Sperry Chafer