Romans 7:12
So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous, and good.
Sermons
Perfection of the LawJ. Buchanan.Romans 7:12
The Excellence of the LawArchdn. Farrar.Romans 7:12
The Holy LawT. Robinson, D. D.Romans 7:12
The LawE. Bayley, B. D.Romans 7:12
The Law and the GospelE. Bayley, B. D.Romans 7:12
The Law Holy and Just and GoodJ. Jowett, M. A.Romans 7:12
The Law Holy and Just and GoodT. Robinson, D. D.Romans 7:12
The Law Holy and Just and GoodJ. Stafford.Romans 7:12
The Position of the Law Under the New TestamentC.H. Irwin Romans 7:1-17
Conscience Quickened by the LawH. Ward Beecher.Romans 7:7-13
Death of the Moral SenseW. H. H. Murray.Romans 7:7-13
Experience Teaching the Value of GraceC. H. Spurgeon.Romans 7:7-13
Is the Law Sin?T.F. Lockyer Romans 7:7-13
Mistaken Apprehensions of the Law Destructive to the Souls of MenJ. Stafford.Romans 7:7-13
Moral Life and DeathCalvin.Romans 7:7-13
Paul Without and Under the LawF. Bourdillon.Romans 7:7-13
Paul's Early ExperienceProf. Godet.Romans 7:7-13
Place of the Law in Salvation of SinnersW. Arnot, D. D.Romans 7:7-13
Restraint QuickensRomans 7:7-13
Revelation of Sin by the LawC. Neil, M. A.Romans 7:7-13
Sin and its Work in Relation to the LawT. Robinson, D. D.Romans 7:7-13
Sin Aroused by the LawC. H. Spurgeon.Romans 7:7-13
Sin's Use of the LawT. Robinson, D. D.Romans 7:7-13
The Condemnatory Power of the LawJohn Russell.Romans 7:7-13
The Conviction of SinJ. Lyth, D. D.Romans 7:7-13
The Deceitfulness and Ruinousness of SinJ. Stafford.Romans 7:7-13
The Effect of Law on ObedienceToplady.Romans 7:7-13
The Excellence of the LawJ. Lyth, D. D.Romans 7:7-13
The Fatal Effects of the LawProf. Jowett.Romans 7:7-13
The LawJ. Lyth, D. D.Romans 7:7-13
The Law and the GospelD. Thomas, D. DRomans 7:7-13
The Law Irritates SinAbp. Trench.Romans 7:7-13
The Law Rouses SinAustin Phelps.Romans 7:7-13
The Law Vindicated and CommendedT. Chalmers, D. D.Romans 7:7-13
The Mercifulness of the Law in the Revelation of SinT. H. Leary, D. C. L.Romans 7:7-13
The Original and the Actual Relation of Man to LawProf. Shedd.Romans 7:7-13
The Sinner Without and Under the LawJ. Lyth, D. D.Romans 7:7-13
The Work of the Law in Awakening the SoulR.M. Edgar Romans 7:7-13
UnawakenedT. Robinson, D. D.Romans 7:7-13
Want of Conviction the Source of Mistaken ApprehensionsJ. Stafford.Romans 7:7-13
The Character Described in the Seventh Chapter of RomansJ. Leifchild, D. D.Romans 7:7-25
The Moral History of the Inner Man Illustrated by This PassageD. Thomas, D. D.Romans 7:7-25
To Whom Does the Passage ReferProf. J. A. Beet.Romans 7:7-25














The sinful passions, which were through the Law (ver. 5). What does the Law bring forth such fruit? Is the LAW SIN? Nay, that cannot be; on the contrary, we all acknowledge it, without dispute, as "holy," and every separate commandment which it gives as "holy, and righteous, and good." Nevertheless, even the holy Law has peculiar relations to the development of sin; and they are these: the Law reveals sin; the Law becomes, to a sinful man, an excitant to further sin.

I. THE LAW AS REVEALING SIN. "For," says the apostle, "I had not known sin, except through the Law; I had not known coveting, except the Law had said, Thou shalt not covet." Here we have a general principle, and a special instance. Law, by saying, "Thou shalt not," brings home to our conscience the knowledge that certain tendencies, which we had followed unconsciously before, are wrong; the separate commandments of the Law stamp this character of wrongness on each separate tendency respectively. Thus we learn the great distinctions of right and wrong; the particular distinctions in particular cases. To us, then, as fallen creatures, there is a great revelation of wrong. When Law first speaks, we awake to find ourselves sinful, i.e. dead! Till then? Alive, without law; yes, even as the brute beasts are alive, not being conscious of any moral disharmony or disorder. They may covet and strive and fight, but to them this is not wrong; Law is silent, and therefore sin, in its recognized character, is not - it is dead. So with us. But Law comes; sin revives; we die!

II. THE LAW AS AN EXCITANT TO SIN. To innocent creatures law would be directive, and restraining; to corrupt creatures it is galling, and incentive to yet worse outbreaks. Illustrate, unruly horse. The very curbing makes it spring forth more furiously. So sin works in us, through the commandment, all manner of coveting. And surely nothing shows the exceeding sinfulness of sin more strikingly than this, that a Law which is acknowledged as holy and good should be the means of making it more rampant and riotous! Sin works death "through that which is good." And we, meanwhile? Slain] slain, that we may desire a better life. Law the necessary preparative for redemption. But when are these successive experiences realized? When are we "alive without law"? In the days of irresponsible infancy, when we are sinful indeed, but unconsciously sinful, yielding to the wrong tendency even as we yield to the right, not knowing, not reflecting. More or less, though only partially, this is the case among the untaught heathen also; only partially, for there is law written on the heart. To some extent the case even amongst the enlightened, even amongst the regenerate; for it is only by degrees that the Law of Christ unfolds to us its sublime perfection. And when, and to what extent, are we dead, when sin revives? As childhood develops into fuller life, and the Law without awakes the law within. Also, as the heathen, the uninstructed, are taught the fuller truth. And, in accordance with above, as the Christ unfolds to us his perfection, and we do not at once respond. And so it is that

"They who fain would serve thee best
Are conscious most of wrong within." But "he giveth more grace! " - T.F.L.

Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy: and Just, and good.
I. ITS NATURE. It is —

1. Universal in its extent. It is binding at all times, in all places, and upon all.

2. Perpetual in its obligation: it can allow of no change. Other laws, the ceremonial laws, e.g., may be abrogated or altered, but the moral law, being founded upon the Divine nature, knows no change. "Heaven and earth shall pass away," etc.

3. Perfect in its character. Being the expression and emanation of the perfect nature and will of God, "the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul."

4. Spiritual (ver. 14). It comes from God who is Spirit; and it demands of man spiritual obedience.

5. "Holy"; free from all spot and blemish.

6. "Just," founded upon the eternal principles of right.

7. "Good," benevolent in its design, tending to promote happiness, and promising life to those that observe it.

II. ITS EXCELLENCE AND IMPORTANCE. This is implied in its nature; but it will further appear if we consider —

1. It was originally implanted in the constitution of man's nature. A written law was not necessary, for the love of God, the essential principle of this law, was bound up in the constitution of Adam (Genesis 1:27; Romans 2:15). And it is the purpose of God to replace the law in the position which it originally occupied; to rewrite it upon man's heart.

2. In the giving of this law at Sinai we see another illustration of its excellence.(1) The law contained in the ten commandments was given directly by word of mouth from God. All the other commandments were given through Moses.(2) It was written twice by the finger of God upon both sides of the tables, perhaps covered the whole of them to show that there was to be no addition or alteration.(3) It was written not upon parchment, but upon stone, to show its perpetual obligation.

3. Our Lord(1) Ever recognised it, vindicated its authority, expounded its import, and enforced it by His own sanction and teaching.(2) Not only taught the law, but practised it, rendering it a perfect and sinless obedience.(3) Honoured it by undergoing the penalty which it threatens against all that break its enactments.

III. ITS USE.

1. To mankind at large —(1) It exhibits, magnifies, and explains the character of God.(2) It teaches men the principles of right and wrong, and how they are bound to act with reference to God, their neighbour, and themselves. The gospel has in no sense superseded or abrogated the law. It comes in as a supplemental system, saving man from the penalty which the law threatens, and placing man in a position whereby he may render obedience to that law.

2. But whilst saying this a considerable difficulty suggests itself as to the relation of the believer to the law. We find a class of passages which appear to teach its eternal obligation upon all men (Matthew 5; Romans 3:31; Romans 13:10; James 1:25; James 2:8). But we find other passages which appear to teach that the Christian is not under the law (1 Timothy 1:9; Romans 6:14; Romans 7:6). How are we to understand this? The true believer is not under the law —(1) As a ground of condemnation or as a ground of justification. Inasmuch as Christ has perfectly obeyed the law, and atoned for the Jaw's breach, that work is imputed and made over to him that believes, so that he is delivered from the condemnation of the law (Romans 8). So far therefore as his judicial standing before God is concerned, he and the law are altogether separated.(2) In regard to sanctification. When a man believes truly in Christ, he has not only imputed to him the merits of Christ, but he has imparted to him the power of Christ's new life. He is born again of the Spirit. And where that Holy Spirit is, every desire which He inspires, every principle which He suggests, is holy. The man is no longer under the law as a handwriting against him, for he has its principle implanted in his heart, and he can say, "Oh, how I love Thy law; it is my meditation all the day."

3. Of what use then is the law to a believer? I answer that if the work of grace were perfected within us, that if we acted in perfect harmony with the instincts and quickenings of the Spirit of God, it would be of no use. But inasmuch as the work of grace is not perfected within us, inasmuch as there is a tendency oftentimes towards evil, the law of God is necessary for him who is not under the law, but under grace.(1) In keeping us under grace. The law not only leads him as to a schoolmaster first of all to Christ, but keeps him trusting in the Saviour.(2) In restraining the believer from sin. There are those who think there is but one motive which ought to influence a Christian's heart — love, and no doubt perfect love would be enough. But we are not perfect, and therefore, though we are delivered from the fear of bondage and the fear of terror, yet the fear of reverence ought ever to influence the Christian.

4. As regards the unconverted, the law is of great importance.(1) As a restraining principle to keep them back from open and notorious sin.(2) As a convincing principle (ver. 9).(3) As a principle of conversion. "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul." Use it honestly, prayerfully, perseveringly, and you will find you can have no rest, until it has shut you up into the faith, until it has been the means of driving you to that refuge which is open for the sinner in Christ.

(E. Bayley, B. D.)

Observe —

I. THE DOCTRINE laid down in my text.

1. The law has different meanings. At one time it stands for the whole religion of Moses; as when the Jews are said to "make their boast of the law." In another place it means the ceremonies which formed a prominent part of that religion; in which sense "the law had a shadow of good things to come." But, very frequently the ten commandments are meant, as here.(1) By quoting the tenth commandment in ver. 7, Paul shows that the whole argument relates to the moral law.(2) This allusion also explains the repetition in the text. The whole law, but particularly that commandment to which I have alluded, is "holy, just, and good."(3) The selection of this particular command shows that Paul viewed it as a spiritual law; extending, not to actions only, but to desires. He never knew what the law was till this tenth commandment came with power to his conscience; e.g., the sixth, he thought, forbad only actual murder; the seventh, actual adultery; the eighth, actual stealing. But when at length it was said, "Thou shalt not covet," he then perceived that even the desire of things forbidden was sinful.

2. What, then, is the doctrine laid down by St. Paul concerning this heart-searching law?(1) It is holy.

(a)The things which it forbids are evil; the dispositions which it requires are excellent.

(b)By what standard shall we estimate holiness and unholiness?There is none other but the will and character of God. Those actions and dispositions which are agreeable to His nature, and which resemble His inimitable perfections, are holy; those of a contrary kind are unholy. God's law is the very copy of His own Holy character; were it perfectly obeyed man would be holy, as God is holy.(2) It is just.(a) God could require nothing short of this. Anything less than entire purity of heart is not only different from God's nature, but directly opposed to it. We may, without offence, be less wise or powerful; but it is impossible to admit the thought of His consenting that we shall be less holy. God made man "in His own image, and after His own likeness"; "God made man upright." Was it unreasonable to require that man should preserve this holy likeness?(b) But you may object that we have now lost our original likeness to God; and that it is therefore no longer just to demand from us perfect obedience. But God's rights cannot be diminished by any change in our condition. A bankrupt has lost the power of paying his debts; yet it is still just in the creditor to demand them, especially when, as is the case with men, the bankruptcy is the result of wickedness.(3) It is good. The whole of it tends to our welfare. If we had never broken it, there would have been no such thing as sorrow; and, if men would govern their hearts and lives by it, the world's miseries would soon have an end. For what is the sum and substance of its requirements? Love to God above all, love to our neighbour as to ourselves. Now we know that love is happiness. The joys of heaven will consist of perfect love to God, and the mutual love of each other.

II. ITS PRACTICAL USES. Learn —

1. A lesson of the deepest self-abasement. The law, when first given to man, only made known to him his duty; but ever since the fall it has taught "the knowledge of sin." The law is holy; but what are we? Moreover, the doctrine shuts out all excuse. We cannot complain of the law, for it is just and good. Yet have we all our lives acted contrary to it.

2. A lesson of despair. Whatever it may have been to man in a state of innocence, it is now the ministration of condemnation. It pronounces a curse on every transgressor; it worketh wrath; it has shut us up like prisoners, under a charge of sin so fully proved that it cannot be evaded. From all this let us learn that by the deeds of the law no flesh can be saved. Perfect obedience is necessary if we are to be justified by it. Can you, then, stand up and claim a full acquittal? If once you have sinned your soul is lost. Learn this and you will then be prepared to hear of a Saviour, who hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us, and despair will prove the parent of hope and joy.

3. How you ought to walk and please God. The law is what it ever was, holy, and just, and good. And therefore, though it cannot justify us as a covenant, it must still instruct us as a guide.

(J. Jowett, M. A.)

I. HOLY.

1. In principle.

2. In requirement.

3. In operation.

4. In tendency.As a whole and in each commandment it bears the character and expresses the mind and will of Him who is infinitely holy, and requires only what is holy and pure (Micah 6:8).

II. JUST. It demands what is just and right and nothing more, and requires only what man was made capable of rendering. It tends to promote justice and righteousness everywhere; and secures to each his due — God, our neighbour, ourselves.

III. GOOD — useful, beneficial, tending to the happiness of man. The commandment broken was Paradise lost; the commandment observed will be Paradise restored.

(T. Robinson, D. D.)

Some think these high characters are given to the law as being holy, in teaching us our duty towards God; just in prescribing our duty towards our neighbour, and good in regard to ourselves. Others thus, the law is holy respecting the matter of it, because it prescribeth holy things; just in propounding rewards and punishments, and good in respect to the end, leading to holiness and happiness. But I think we ought to carry the point much further: all these titles are given to the law, both in relation to the Author, the matter, and the end of the law. The Author of the law is holy, just and good; so is the doctrine or matter contained in the law; and so is the end proposed by the law.

(J. Stafford.)

Holy in its origin, just in its requirements, good in its purpose.

(Archdn. Farrar.)

Holy in its nature, just in its form, good in its end.

(T. Robinson, D. D.)

God's justice is seen in the law given to man as the universal law of his existence. To give law to rational creatures is the prerogative of their Creator, and His law is, by an inevitable consequence, holy, just and good; it neither prohibits nor enjoins anything that is not in the most perfect accordance with the infinite perfections of God and the true and best interests of man. "It represents Him as the Righteous Governor of the universe, whose laws are in perfect consistency with the principles of equity, and whose character is in accordance with His laws. Referring to these principles of morality which are engraven on the heart of man, it declares that they were engraven by the finger of God, and that conscience is His vicegerent, speaking to us in His name, and making known to us the principles of His moral administration. And it unfolds a more copious code of morality, in which the same principles are revealed, for our better information and surer guidance — principles which, being engraven in the book of nature, and revealed in the written Word, are infallibly certain, and ought to be regarded as a true manifestation of the righteous character of Him who is the Author alike of nature and of revelation."

(J. Buchanan.)

I. THEIR DIFFERENCE.

1. In time and mode of original relation. The law is coeval with creation; the gospel was made known after the fall. The law is discoverable by the light of nature, the gospel is a hidden mystery.

2. The law addresses man as a creature, the gospel as a sinner.

3. Command, the characteristic of the law; promise of the gospel is the promise of life in Christ. Contrast between the covenant of Sinai and the covenant of grace.

4. The law condemns, the gospel justifies. Law only acquits or condemns, mercy is revealed in the gospel.

5. The law requires, the gospel enables. No enabling power in a command; motive and power supplied by the gospel.

II. THEIR HARMONY.

1. There is no real antagonism.(1) The law prepares the way for the gospel.(2) The gospel fulfils, and so establishes the law. There are two ways of dealing with law, repeal and relaxation. Neither mode supposable in Divine government. How can man be saved and yet the law upheld? Perfect obedience the one condition of life. Christ undertakes for man. Fulfilment in man's own person. Faith lays hold of precepts as well as promises. The law is a rule of life, written on the heart. The gospel secures its fulfilment for man and in man.

(a)Assigns its just place and value to the Law in the Christian scheme.

(b)Assigns its just place and value to the gospel.Conclusion;

1. How sure a foundation laid for the believer's hope.

2. How sure a provision made for the believer's holiness.

(E. Bayley, B. D.)

People
Paul, Romans
Places
Rome
Topics
Command, Commandment, Holy, Indeed, Itself, Law, Orders, Righteous, Upright, Wherefore
Outline
1. No law has power over a man longer than he lives.
4. But we are dead to the law.
7. Yet is not the law sin;
12. but holy, just and good;
16. as I acknowledge, who am grieved because I cannot keep it.

Dictionary of Bible Themes
Romans 7:12

     1050   God, goodness of
     1125   God, righteousness
     1175   God, will of
     1615   Scripture, sufficiency
     5036   mind, of God
     5362   justice, believers' lives
     6677   justification, necessity
     8273   holiness, ethical aspects
     8311   morality, and redemption
     8775   libertinism

Romans 7:4-12

     6139   deadness, spiritual

Romans 7:7-12

     5380   law, and gospel
     6022   sin, causes of

Romans 7:7-13

     5816   consciousness

Romans 7:7-25

     7449   slavery, spiritual

Romans 7:8-13

     8405   commands, in NT

Library
Advent Lessons
Westminster Abbey, First Sunday in Advent, 1873. Romans vii. 22-25. "I delight in the law of God after the inward man: but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord." This is the first Sunday in Advent. To-day we have prayed that God would give us grace to put away the works
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons

July 24. "The Righteousness of the Law Might be Fulfilled in Us" (Rom. vii. 4).
"The righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us" (Rom. vii. 4). In our earlier experiences we know the Holy Ghost only at a distance, in things that happen in a providential direction, or in the Word alone, but after awhile we receive Him as an inward Guest, and He dwells in our very midst, and He speaks to us in the innermost chambers of our being. But then the external working of His power does not cease, but it only increases, and seems the more glorious. The Power that dwells within us
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Original and the Actual Relation of Man to Law.
ROMANS vii. 10.--"The commandment which, was ordained to life, I found to be unto death." The reader of St. Paul's Epistles is struck with the seemingly disparaging manner in which he speaks of the moral law. In one place, he tells his reader that "the law entered that the offence might abound;" in another, that "the law worketh wrath;" in another, that "sin shall not have dominion" over the believer because he is "not under the law;" in another, that Christians "are become dead to the law;" in
William G.T. Shedd—Sermons to the Natural Man

Sin is Spiritual Slavery
John viii. 34.--"Jesus answered them, Verily, verily I say unto you, whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin." The word [Greek: doulos] which is translated "servant," in the text, literally signifies a slave; and the thought which our Lord actually conveyed to those who heard Him is, "Whosoever committeth sin is the slave of sin." The apostle Peter, in that second Epistle of his which is so full of terse and terrible description of the effects of unbridled sensuality upon the human will,
William G.T. Shedd—Sermons to the Natural Man

The Impotence of the Law.
HEBREWS vii. 19.--"For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh to God." It is the aim of the Epistle to the Hebrews, to teach the insufficiency of the Jewish Dispensation to save the human race from the wrath of God and the power of sin, and the all-sufficiency of the Gospel Dispensation to do this. Hence, the writer of this Epistle endeavors with special effort to make the Hebrews feel the weakness of their old and much esteemed religion,
William G.T. Shedd—Sermons to the Natural Man

The Fainting Warrior
Now, humble Christians are often the dupes of a very foolish error. They look up to certain advanced saints and able ministers, and they say, "Surely, such men as these do not suffer as I do; they do not contend with the same evil passions as those which vex and trouble me." Ah! if they knew the heard of those men, if they could read their inward conflicts, they would soon discover that the nearer a man lives to God, the more intensely has he to mourn over his own evil heart, and the more his Master
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859

Thou Shalt not Commit Adultery.
In this Commandment too a good work is commanded, which includes much and drives away much vice; it is called purity, or chastity, of which much is written and preached, and it is well known to every one, only that it is not as carefully observed and practised as other works which are not commanded. So ready are we to do what is not commanded and to leave undone what is commanded. We see that the world is full of shameful works of unchastity, indecent words, tales and ditties, temptation to which
Dr. Martin Luther—A Treatise on Good Works

"O Wretched Man that I Am!"
"O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 7:24, 25). You know the wonderful place that this text has in the wonderful epistle to the Romans. It stands here at the end of the seventh chapter as the gateway into the eighth. In the first sixteen verses of the eighth chapter the name of the Holy Spirit is found sixteen times; you have there the description and promise of the life that a child of God can live in the
Andrew Murray—Absolute Surrender

How Christ is to be Made Use of as Our Life, in Case of Heartlessness and Fainting through Discouragements.
There is another evil and distemper which believers are subject to, and that is a case of fainting through manifold discouragements, which make them so heartless that they can do nothing; yea, and to sit up, as if they were dead. The question then is, how such a soul shall make use of Christ as in the end it may be freed from that fit of fainting, and win over those discouragements: for satisfaction to which we shall, 1. Name some of those discouragements which occasion this. 2. Show what Christ
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Of the Corruption of Nature and the Efficacy of Divine Grace
O Lord my God, who hast created me after thine own image and similitude, grant me this grace, which Thou hast shown to be so great and so necessary for salvation, that I may conquer my wicked nature, which draweth me to sin and to perdition. For I feel in my flesh the law of sin, contradicting the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the obedience of sensuality in many things; nor can I resist its passions, unless Thy most holy grace assist me, fervently poured into my heart. 2. There
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

The Positive Side
What is the relation of the Law (the Ten Commandments) to Christians? In our previous chapter we pointed out how that three radically different answers have been returned to this question. The first, that sinners become saints by obeying the Law. This is Legalism pure and simple. It is heresy of the most dangerous kind. All who really believe and act on it as the ground of their acceptance by God, will perish eternally. Second, others say that the Law is not binding on Christians because it has been
Arthur W. Pink—The Law and the Saint

Carey's Last Days
1830-1834 The college and mission stripped of all their funds--Failure of the six firms for sixteen millions--Carey's official income reduced from L1560 to L600--His Thoughts and Appeal published in England--His vigour at seventy--Last revision of the Bengali Bible--Final edition of the Bengali New Testament--Carey rejoices in the reforms of Lord William Bentinck's Government--In the emancipation of the slaves--Carey sketched by his younger contemporaries--His latest letters and last message to Christendom--Visits
George Smith—The Life of William Carey

His Freedom from Sin.
THE first impression which we receive from the life of Jesus is that of perfect innocency and sinlessness in the midst of a sinful world. He, and he alone, carried the spotless purity of childhood untarnished through his youth and manhood. Hence the lamb and the dove are his appropriate symbols. He was, indeed, tempted as we are; but he never yielded to temptation.[21]21 His sinlessness was at first only the relative sinlessness of Adam before the fall; which implies the necessity of trial and temptation,
Philip Schaff—The Person of Christ

Sin not a Mere Negation.
"I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind."--Rom. vii. 23. Dr. Böhl's theory, that sin is a mere loss, default, or lack, is an error almost as critical as Manicheism. This should not be misunderstood. This theory does not deny that the sinner is unholy, nor that he ought to be holy. It says two things: (1) that there is no holiness in the sinner; but--and this indicates the real character of sin--(2) that there ought to be holiness in him. A stone does not hear, nor
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

The Good that I Would I do Not. Rom 7

John Newton—Olney Hymns

There are Therefore in us Evil Desires, by Consenting not unto which we Live...
20. There are therefore in us evil desires, by consenting not unto which we live not ill: there are in us lusts of sins, by obeying not which we perfect not evil, but by having them do not as yet perfect good. The Apostle shows both, that neither is good here perfected, where evil is so lusted after, nor evil here perfected, whereas such lust is not obeyed. The one forsooth he shows, where he says, "To will is present with me, but to perfect good is not;" [1875] the other, where he says, "Walk in
St. Augustine—On Continence

Its Source
Let us here review, briefly, the ground which we have already covered. We have seen, first, that "to justify" means to pronounce righteous. It is not a Divine work, but a Divine verdict, the sentence of the Supreme Court, declaring that the one justified stands perfectly conformed to all the requirements of the law. Justification assures the believer that the Judge of all the earth is for him, and not against him: that justice itself is on his side. Second, we dwelt upon the great and seemingly insoluable
Arthur W. Pink—The Doctrine of Justification

Temptations.
TEMPTATIONS OF SATAN. Satan, even from himself, besides the working of our own lust, doth do us wonderful injury, and hits our souls with many a fiery dart, that we think comes either from ourselves or from heaven and God himself. Satan diligently waiteth to come in at the door, if Careless has left it a little ajar. There is nothing that Satan more desires than to get good men in his sieve to sift them as wheat, that if possible he may leave them nothing but bran; no grace, but the very husk and
John Bunyan—The Riches of Bunyan

Work, for God Works in You
Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God which worketh in you both to will and to work, for His good pleasure.'--Phil. 2:12, 13 In our last chapter we saw what salvation is. It is our being God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works. It concludes, as one of its chief and essential elements, all that treasury of good works which God afore prepared that we should walk in them. In the light of this thought we get the true and full meaning of to-day's text. Work
Andrew Murray—Working For God!

Redemption
"Ye shall therefore be perfect, as your Father in Heaven is perfect."--MATT. V. 48. "Wretched man that I am! who shall deliver from the body of this death? Thanks be to God, through Jesus Christ our Lord."--ROM. VII. 24, 25. We have studied the meaning of reconciliation through the Cross. We have said that to be reconciled to God means to cease to be the object of the Wrath of God, that is, His hostility to sin. We can only cease to be the objects of this Divine Wrath by identifying ourselves
J. H. Beibitz—Gloria Crucis

"Who Walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit. "
Rom. viii. 1.--"Who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." It is no wonder that we cannot speak any thing to purpose of this subject, and that you do not bear with fruit, because it is indeed a mystery to our judgments, and a great stranger to our practice. There is so little of the Spirit, both in teachers and those that come to be taught, that we can but speak of it as an unknown thing, and cannot make you to conceive it, in the living notion of it as it is. Only we may say in general,--it
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Impossible with Man, Possible with God
"And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God" (Luke 18:27). Christ had said to the rich young ruler, "Sell all that thou hast . . . and come, follow me." The young man went away sorrowful. Christ then turned to the disciples, and said: "How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!" The disciples, we read, were greatly astonished, and answered: "If it is so difficult to enter the kingdom, who, then, can be saved?" And Christ gave this blessed
Andrew Murray—Absolute Surrender

How Christ is to be Made Use Of, in Reference to the Killing and Crucifying of the Old Man.
Having thus shortly pointed out some things in general, serving to the clearing and opening up the way of our use-making of Christ for sanctification, we come now more particularly to the clearing up of this business. In sanctification we must consider, first, The renewing and changing of our nature and frame; and, next, The washing and purging away of our daily contracted spots. The first of these is commonly divided into two parts, viz. 1st, The mortification, killing, and crucifying of the
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

That all Troubles are to be Endured for the Sake of Eternal Life
"My Son, let not the labours which thou hast undertaken for Me break thee down, nor let tribulations cast thee down in any wise, but let my promise strengthen and comfort thee in every event. I am sufficient to reward thee above all measure and extent. Not long shalt thou labour here, nor always be weighed down with sorrows. Wait yet a little while, and thou shalt see a speedy end of thine evils. An hour shall come when all labour and confusion shall cease. Little and short is all that passeth
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

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