Sin, sickness, and death came through the transgression of Adam.  As a result we have inherited a corrupt, sin nature.  The law was given by God to Moses to be a guide of conduct given we have received a sin nature.  St. Paul tells us that “by the law is the knowledge of sin” and “the strength of sin is the law” (1 Cor15).  The way to avoid sickness and death consequently is to avoid sin and we avoid sin by being led of the Spirit and not being under the law. 

            Now there is a social aspect of the law and a psychological aspect.  Most people discuss the ramifications of the social aspect pretty much stating that if you are led of the Spirit you will not steal, lie, and commit adultery and the like.  If you sin the consequence is sickness and ultimately death.  Yet there is a psychological dimension that is equally important.

            People who use the law as a hammer to put down self or others by condemnation are also bringing about sickness and death.  Jesus in Matthew tells us not to judge.  By whatever measure you judge, you will be judged, so if you use the law as a judge to condemn self or others, this, too, will bring about sickness and death.

            On the other hand, Jesus says that he who exalts himself shall be abased, and he who humbles himself shall be exalted.  If you use the law to inflate your ego by putting other people down who do not keep the law, while you see yourself as law abiding, this, too, will bring about sickness and death.

            Our flesh is corrupt.  Body and soul work together.  Socially, breaking the law has its consequences and psychologically, using the law as a hammer or using it to inflate ones self has its consequences too.  We need to be led of the Spirit and be free from the law.  If we are so led, sickness and death can be postponed or even avoided and God can take you to be with him by other means.