Cecily Zamora
The law of sin and death is a topic that has been discussed by theologians and biblical scholars for centuries. The question of whether the law can deliver us from sin is complex and multifaceted, with various interpretations arising from different passages in the Bible. For instance, Romans 3:20 states that through the law comes the knowledge of sin, not the deliverance from sin, suggesting that the law does not have the power to free us from sin. This is further supported by the idea that the law was meant to bring out the sin in people, making them realize their weaknesses and need for a savior, as mentioned in Galatians 5:1. On the other hand, some argue that the law is necessary to make people aware of their sins and hold them accountable for their actions, as stated in Romans 3:23, All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Ultimately, the debate revolves around the role of the law in our relationship with God and our understanding of sin, with the conclusion that true transformation and freedom from sin come through Jesus Christ, as emphasized in 2 Corinthians 3:18.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| The law's role in sin | The law can empower sin and make it more potent. |
| The law can be an "aroma that stinks and kills" or "sweet and precious". | |
| The law can be a yoke of bondage that does not change hearts or free us from sin. | |
| The law can be a tutor to bring us to Christ, but we are no longer under it after receiving faith. | |
| The law can increase sinning and accountability. | |
| The law can be a gift that brings knowledge of sin and our need for a savior. | |
| The law's relation to Jesus | Jesus has paid for our forgiveness, and we are made righteous and free through him. |
| Jesus transforms us into his image, which is not possible through the law. | |
| Through Jesus, we are released from the law of sin and death and are never separated from God's love. |
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What You'll Learn
The law does not deliver us from sin, it brings it out
The law does not deliver us from sin, but rather, it brings it out. This is a complex topic, with the role of the Mosaic law in Paul's teachings being one that has been extensively discussed and debated.
Paul's writings in the New Testament suggest that the arrival of the Mosaic law did not weaken sin but instead empowered and inflamed it within us. In Romans 7:5, he states that our sinful passions are "aroused by the law", and in Romans 5:20, he claims that the law came to increase sinning. This is further supported by his statement in 1 Corinthians 15:56, "The power of sin is the law", and "Apart from the law, sin lies dead" (Romans 7:8).
The law serves as a mirror, reflecting our sins and shortcomings. It brings knowledge of sin and makes us aware of our humanity and weaknesses. As stated in Romans 3:23, "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God". The law does not have the power to change our hearts or free us from sin; that transformation comes through Jesus and his grace. Jesus offers us inward transformation that leads to outward change.
The law was given to make us aware of our need for a Savior and to lead us to Christ. As stated in Galatians 3:24-25, "The law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor". Once we receive Jesus, we are no longer under the old system, as the law was not made for the righteous but to guide us towards righteousness through faith in Christ.
In conclusion, the law does not deliver us from sin, but it brings it to the surface, making us aware of our sinful nature and our need for a Savior. It serves as a tutor, guiding us towards faith in Jesus Christ, who offers us true freedom and transformation.
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The law increases sinning
In the context of religion, sin is a transgression against divine law or a law of the deities. Each religion and culture has its own interpretation of what constitutes a sin.
In Christianity, sin is viewed as an act of offense against God by despising his persons and Christian biblical law, and by injuring others. According to the Apostle Paul, the law increases sinning. In Romans 5:20, he writes, "The law came in so that the transgression would increase." This statement implies that the introduction of the Law caused people to sin more.
However, some commentators disagree with this interpretation. Everett Harrison, for example, argues that the law also serves to restrain evil in the world. F.F. Bruce holds a similar view, suggesting that the law increased sin by providing more opportunities for violating specific commandments. Grant Osborne offers a nuanced perspective, suggesting that the law did not necessarily increase the number of sins but rather intensified the seriousness of sin.
Thomas Schreiner provides additional insight, explaining that the Jews believed that God's covenantal promises would be fulfilled through keeping the Torah. However, Paul argues that God's purpose in giving the Mosaic Law was to increase sin in Israel (Rom. 5:20). This could refer to the "gravity" or "number of sins."
The Law of Moses, according to Paul, caused a heavy burden of sin that might not have existed otherwise, turning many actions into sins that would not have otherwise been transgressions. This is exemplified in the story of Adam and Eve, where God's commandment about not eating the fruit of a certain tree created the potential for sin.
Despite the increase in sin, Paul emphasizes that God's ultimate intention was not to increase sin but to bring about the forgiveness of sins and to increase grace (Rom. 5:20-21). God's law exposes sin, bringing it into the light, and clarifying people's need for His grace and forgiveness.
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The law is a yoke of bondage
Paul argues that the law does not deliver people from sin but instead increases sinfulness. In Romans 7:9, he writes, "I was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin came alive and I died." This suggests that the law does not weaken sin but empowers and inflames it. The law, therefore, serves to increase accountability.
The law was given to make people aware of their sinfulness and need for a Saviour. It was meant to break people down so that they would stop relying on themselves and instead place their faith in Jesus. As Paul writes in Galatians 3:24, "The law was our guardian until Christ came; it protected us until we could be made right with God through faith."
Christians are warned against turning back to legalism and attempting to win God's favour by obeying the law. Instead, they should enjoy the freedom that comes through faith in Christ, who has set them free from the yoke of bondage. As Paul writes in Galatians 5:1, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage."
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The law does not change hearts
In a religious context, sin is a transgression against divine law or a deity's commands. Each culture and religion has its own interpretation of sin. For instance, in Islam, sin is seen as an act that goes against the commands of Allah or a breach of religious laws and norms. In Christianity, sin is described as an act of offense against God, Christian biblical law, and fellow humans.
While laws are necessary to maintain order and restrain the heartless, as Martin Luther King Jr. said, they cannot change the heart. Laws may bring about compliance, but they cannot bring about repentance. Unjust laws, for example, are a result of unjust hearts.
Darrell Bernard Harrison, a Christian, writes about the social justice movement, stating that it has little understanding of human nature and the depth of human corruption. He argues that the problem with humanity is pre-political and that even if the movement enacts every desired law and educational reform, it will not solve the world's problems. Harrison emphasizes that as Christians, the goal should be for people to not only do right but also to be righteous.
The social justice movement has been criticized for its self-righteousness and hubris, declaring that "others are evil and I am not." This attitude of knowing what is best for the world and how to bring it about is considered the basis for much of the tyranny that has occurred globally. Biblical justice, on the other hand, stems from hearts redeemed and minds renewed by the Spirit of God.
Ultimately, while laws are necessary for societal order, they cannot transform people's hearts or solve deep-rooted issues. True and lasting change comes from within and, for Christians, through the redeeming power of God.
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The law increases accountability
The law does not deliver us from sin, nor does it change our hearts or free us from sin. Instead, it increases our awareness of sin and makes us more accountable for our actions. The law is a standard that reveals our shortcomings and makes us aware of our sinful nature. It acts as a mirror, reflecting our imperfections and showing us how we fall short of God's glory.
Romans 3:23 states, "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." The Greek word "hustereō", translated as "fall short", means "lack". Thus, sinning involves a lack of God's glory. The law brings this lack to our attention and increases our accountability for our actions.
The law also serves to break us down and make us realize our need for a savior. It was not given to make people perfect but to highlight their imperfections and weaknesses. By recognizing our inability to follow the law perfectly, we are driven to depend on something greater than ourselves—Jesus.
First Corinthians 15:25 emphasizes this point: "The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law." The law is described as a yoke of bondage in Galatians 5:1, and it is through Jesus and his grace that true transformation occurs. While the law focuses on behavior modification, Jesus brings about inward transformation that leads to outward change.
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Frequently asked questions
The Bible says that the law brings knowledge of sin and the ultimate conclusion that we deserve God's judgment.
No, the law does not save us from sin. The law was meant to show us how sinful we are and our need for a saviour.
Yes, the law can make sin more potent. The arrival of the Mosaic law did not weaken sin but empowered and inflamed sin within us.
Jesus has already paid for our forgiveness when we sin. Through Jesus, we are delivered from the law of sin and death.
Our focus should be on Jesus living in us and making us righteous and free, rather than the law, which only drove us to a dependence on self and our performance.
