How does Romans 7:12 affirm the holiness and righteousness of God's law? Scripture Spotlight “ So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous, and good.” (Romans 7:12) Key Words and Why They Matter - Holy (hagios): set apart, morally flawless, reflecting God’s own purity. - Righteous (dikaios): perfectly just, always measuring up to the divine standard. - Good (agathos): intrinsically beneficial, bringing blessing rather than harm. Together these words declare that every statute God issues mirrors His own character. What Paul Is (and Isn’t) Saying - He is affirming the moral excellence of the law, not discarding it. - He is exposing sin’s misuse of the law (vv. 7–11) while defending the law itself. - He is distinguishing between the law (good) and sin (evil), ensuring we blame the right culprit. The Law’s Holiness Echoed Across Scripture - Psalm 19:7–9: “The law of the LORD is perfect… the commandment of the LORD is pure.” - Psalm 119:137–138: “Righteous are You, O LORD, and upright are Your judgments.” - Romans 3:20: the law brings knowledge of sin, proving its moral clarity. - 1 Timothy 1:8: “We know that the law is good if one uses it legitimately.” - Matthew 5:17: Jesus came to fulfill, not abolish, this holy standard. Why This Matters Today - Shows us God’s unchanging nature—He remains holy and just. - Exposes our sin, driving us to Christ for forgiveness (Galatians 3:24). - Provides a trustworthy moral compass amid shifting cultural norms. - Guards us from antinomianism: grace never nullifies God’s righteous requirements. Living in Light of a Holy Law and a Gracious Savior - Revere the law for what it reveals about God’s heart. - Let its righteous demands highlight your need for the cross. - Rely on the Spirit to write these commands on your heart (Jeremiah 31:33; Romans 8:4). - Walk in obedience, not to earn salvation, but to honor the One who fulfilled the law for you. |
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