Hello beloved children of our Almighty God,
Today, let’s explore Paul’s perspective on the law as he presents the gospel to the brethren in Rome:
“What shall we say then? Is the Law sin? May it never be! On the contrary, I would not have come to know sin except through the Law; for I would not have known about coveting if the Law had not said, ‘You shall not covet.’”
— Romans 7:7
Having established justification by faith in Christ, Paul addresses the sanctification of believers. He poses the crucial question: “Is the law sin?”
This question underscores the relationship between law and grace. In chapter six, Paul addressed whether we should sin so grace may increase:
“What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase?”
— Romans 6:1
Antinomianists advocate continuing in sin since grace covers it. Paul rejects this notion:
“May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it? Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death?”
— Romans 6:2-3
Legalists, on the other hand, believe works of the law justify them, not faith in Jesus.
To balance these extremes, Paul asks: Is the law sin? He affirms the law exposes sin; weakness of the flesh leads to disobedience, sin, and death.
“The Law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.”
— Romans 7:12
Some misconstrue Jesus abolishing the law to justify sin. Paul clarifies: we’re not saved by obeying the law, but by the Spirit through faith in Christ.
Paul speaks to believers: the law reveals sin, but as believers, empowered by the Spirit, we pursue righteousness, not sin.
As believers, we recognize the law originates from God and convicts us through the Holy Spirit.
Understanding this, we appreciate God’s law, essential in the covenant of grace we enjoy:
“Oh how I love Your law!
It is my meditation all the day.”
— Psalm 119:97
Remember:
- The law is from God.
- It reveals our need for salvation through Christ’s sacrifice.
- As believers, we’re freed from sin’s bondage and called to righteousness.
May this message inspire love for God’s law.
Blessings,
Paul
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