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Bro. Turner:
 What
is taught in Rom. 7:7-f.? Will you please discuss in Plain Talk. JG
Reply:
The
theme of the Roman letter is that we are saved by Christ, not by a
system of law. This does not negate existence of law, nor the need
obedience; but since “all sin” are therefore guilty before God I
can be free of guilt (justified) only through forgiveness,
made possible Christ’s obedience unto death, 20-26, 5:19). The
contrast of the system and the new is furthered saying that it is
the inward Jew, circumcision of the heart, that really
counts. (2:28-29 7:6)
Rom.
7:7 asks, “Is the law sin?” and following verses answer, NO; the
law is holy, just and good. The Old Law, law, makes men aware
of sin (vs. 7, 8, 13), and emphasizes the need for Christ. With the
old law removed, we are now subject to Christ’s law (v.4) are no
less in need of forgiveness for our “will” to serve God does
not, itself, guarantee sin-free flesh.
We
must put the blame where it belongs: not on “law,” old or new,
but upon sinful fleshly appetites which “in-dwell” us (vs. 17).
Verses 14-23 recognize the dual nature of man and depict the
conflict between our flesh and our spirit. This shows
conclusively that desire alone, however controversial, is not
enough.
In
this highly controversial passage I believe Paul is dealing with
principles of law, sin and justification as they apply to all
fleshly oriented creatures. He writes
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in the first person
hypothetically —using himself as an example. Before he was
accountable (v.9) He was without sin, but when he became subject to
law sin sprang to life. (See Jn. 9:11,15,18 where the prefix an
(re-) does not necessitate the meaning “again.” Also check Arndt
& Gingrich; Whiteside.)
Since
Paul writes to Christians and includes himself in the struggle, some
traditional errors are refuted. (1) A “new birth” does not
remove the “bent to sin”--- the inclination of man to rely upon
human reason, a facility highly programmed for self-service
therefore prone to make flesh-pleasing choices. (2) The desire to do
differently does not remove responsibility for “the things done in
his body” (2:6 2 Cor. 5:l0). In 7:23 Paul writes of being brought
“into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.”
Forgiveness, through Jesus Christ, is the only possible answer.
Rom.
8: then moves the argument one step further by showing that this
forgiveness (no condemnation) in Christ demands walking “not
after the flesh but after the spirit” i.e., not only having
the desire to serve God, but following, that desire. God’s Spirit
dwells in that kind of person, subject to their will and endeavor to
follow Christ. Christ reads the heart and intercedes for that kind
of person— yea, “all things” of God, the whole scheme of
redemption, are marshaled to bring that kind of person to ultimate
glory.
Rom.
7: explains the inner conflict in saints, and their need for Christ.
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