How does Romans 7:10 illustrate the law's unintended consequence of bringing death? Life Promised—Death Experienced “So I discovered that the very commandment that was meant to bring life actually brought death.” The Law’s Good Purpose • God set the commandments before Israel for life and blessing (Leviticus 18:5; Deuteronomy 30:15-16). • Scripture repeatedly calls the law “holy, righteous, and good” (Romans 7:12). • Obedience would preserve life; disobedience would destroy it (Ezekiel 20:11). Sin’s Fatal Hijacking • Sin seizes the command, arousing rebellion (Romans 7:8). • Breaking even one statute invokes the death penalty (Genesis 2:17; Romans 5:12; James 2:10). • Instead of imparting life, the commandment becomes the occasion for judgment—“the letter kills” (2 Corinthians 3:6). Paul’s Logical Flow 1. Law reveals sin (Romans 7:7). 2. Sin reacts and multiplies (7:8). 3. The sinner “dies” when confronted by the law (7:9). 4. The promised life turns to death (7:10). 5. Sin deceives and kills through what is good (7:11). Parallel Witnesses • Galatians 3:10 – Works-based law-keeping brings a curse. • Galatians 3:21-22 – The law confines all under sin so that life might come by faith. • 2 Corinthians 3:6 – The letter kills; the Spirit gives life. • Romans 8:2 – Christ frees from “the law of sin and death.” Living Implications • The law’s standard is perfect; our nature is not. • Death is the unintended but inevitable outcome when sin meets the command. • Christ alone fulfills the law and imparts the life the law promised (Romans 8:3-4). |
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