Why does Romans 4:15 state that the law brings wrath? Immediate Context in Romans 4 Paul is illustrating that Abraham was declared righteous by faith before both circumcision and the Sinai code (Romans 4:1-12). Verse 15 clinches his argument: if inheritance were based on law-keeping, it would only secure divine wrath, nullifying promise (vv. 13-14). Hence faith, not law, is the vehicle of grace (v. 16). Purpose of the Law in Redemptive History 1. To Reveal God’s Holiness (Leviticus 19:2; Psalm 19:7-9) 2. To Expose Human Sinfulness (Romans 3:20) 3. To Drive Sinners to the Promise (Galatians 3:24) Therefore, when sinners confront God’s perfect standard, wrath is triggered because violation is inevitable for fallen humanity (Romans 7:10-11). How the Law Identifies and Intensifies Sin • Identification: “Through the law we become conscious of sin” (Romans 3:20). • Intensification: “The law was added so that the trespass might increase” (Romans 5:20). When a speed limit sign appears, ignorance disappears and accountability begins; infractions now carry penalty. Likewise, Sinai formalized what was already morally true (Romans 2:14-15) and rendered transgression legal, measurable, and indictable. Contrast with Promise and Faith Promise operates by grace; law operates by earned compliance. If inheritance depended on performance, certainty would collapse, for “whoever keeps the whole law yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it” (James 2:10). Wrath is the only lawful wage; faith secures the gift (Romans 6:23; 4:16). Illustrations from Old Testament Narrative • Golden Calf (Exodus 32): Immediately after receiving the tablets, Israel incurs wrath. • Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10): Violation of cultic stipulations invokes consuming fire. • Uzzah (2 Samuel 6): Presumptuous contact with the ark provokes sudden judgment. These episodes exemplify how law, once codified, formalizes culpability and activates wrath. Second Temple Background Rabbinic sources (e.g., m. Avot 3.17) echo the idea that greater knowledge entails greater judgment. Paul, a former Pharisee, advances the thought: law, though good, functions as a prosecuting attorney, not a redeemer (2 Corinthians 3:6-9). Theological Implications: Justification by Faith Alone • Legal obedience cannot annul prior guilt (Romans 3:23). • Christ “redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us” (Galatians 3:13). • The resurrection vindicates that wrath has been satisfied (Romans 4:25). Faith unites the believer to the Substitute who bore wrath, thus law’s penalty is exhausted without compromising holiness. Pastoral and Practical Applications 1. Evangelism: Expose sin via the moral law to unveil need, then present grace in Christ. 2. Assurance: Rest in promise, not performance. 3. Sanctification: The law now instructs the justified (Romans 8:4), but no longer condemns (Romans 8:1). Common Objections Addressed • “But the law is bad?” Paul calls it holy (Romans 7:12); the problem is human inability. • “Would no law mean no sin?” Paul says “no transgression,” not “no sin.” Sin existed before Sinai (Romans 5:13); transgression is sin against a known statute. • “Is this antinomian?” By no means (Romans 6:2). Grace produces obedience empowered by the Spirit. Conclusion Romans 4:15 states that the law brings wrath because, in a fallen world, a perfect standard functions to expose, define, and legally amplify sin, invoking God’s righteous judgment. Only faith in the risen Christ fulfills the promise, averts wrath, and secures the inheritance offered to Abraham and his spiritual offspring. |
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