How does Romans 7:12 connect with Jesus' teachings on the law?

Romans 7:12—A Snapshot

“So then, the Law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous, and good.” (‭Romans 7:12)

• Paul underscores three qualities of the Law—holy, righteous, good—affirming its divine origin and moral perfection.

• This statement dismantles any notion that God’s Law is flawed or obsolete; rather, human sin is the problem, not the Law itself.

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Jesus Affirmed the Law’s Holiness

• Matthew 5:17-18 — “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.”

• Luke 16:17 — “It is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for a single stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law.”

• John 5:46-47 — Jesus appeals to Moses’ writings to validate His mission, showing continuity with the Law.

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Shared Themes: Holiness, Righteousness, Goodness

1. Holy

– The Law reveals God’s separate, sinless character.

– Jesus mirrors that holiness (Hebrews 4:15).

2. Righteous

– The Law defines what is just; Jesus upholds perfect justice (John 8:46).

3. Good

– The Law exposes sin for our good (Romans 7:13).

– Jesus embodies ultimate goodness, healing and restoring (Acts 10:38).

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Why the Law Still Matters for Followers of Jesus

• Diagnostic Tool: Like an X-ray, it exposes sin (Romans 3:20); Jesus supplies the cure (1 Peter 2:24).

• Moral Compass: It guides conduct (Psalm 19:7-11); Jesus summarizes it in the Great Commandments (Matthew 22:37-40).

• Prophetic Pointer: Ceremonial aspects foreshadow Christ’s atoning work (Colossians 2:16-17; Hebrews 10:1).

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Living Out the Law Through Christ

• New Heart: The Spirit enables obedience the Law demanded (Ezekiel 36:26-27; Romans 8:3-4).

• Law of Love: Love fulfills every command (Romans 13:8-10; Galatians 5:14).

• Freedom to Serve: Believers are freed from the Law’s penalty yet empowered to practice its righteousness (Galatians 5:1, 13).

Romans 7:12 harmonizes seamlessly with Jesus’ own words: both declare the Law’s enduring holiness, righteousness, and goodness while directing us to Christ as its fulfillment and perfect interpreter.