Topical Encyclopedia The concept of sin in relation to the law is a profound theme within the biblical narrative, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul. The law, given by God, is holy and righteous, serving as a guide for moral and spiritual conduct. However, its strictness and perfection often highlight human shortcomings, stirring up sin by making individuals more aware of their sinful nature.The Role of the Law The law serves as a mirror, reflecting the holiness of God and the sinfulness of humanity. In Romans 7:7, Paul writes, "What then shall we say? Is the law sinful? Certainly not! Nevertheless, I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, 'You shall not covet.'" The law defines sin, making individuals conscious of their transgressions. The Law and Sinful Nature The strictness of the law can provoke the sinful nature within humans. Romans 7:8 states, "But sin, seizing its opportunity through the commandment, produced in me every kind of covetous desire. For apart from the law, sin is dead." The law, by its very nature, can incite rebellion in the human heart, as the sinful nature is drawn to what is forbidden. The Law's Purpose While the law stirs up sin, it also serves a divine purpose. Galatians 3:24 explains, "So the law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith." The law acts as a tutor, guiding individuals to recognize their need for a Savior. It reveals the impossibility of achieving righteousness through human effort alone, pointing to the necessity of grace through faith in Jesus Christ. The Struggle with Sin Paul vividly describes the internal struggle with sin in Romans 7:21-23: "So this is the principle I have discovered: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law. But I see another law at work in my body, warring against the law of my mind and holding me captive to the law of sin that dwells within me." This passage highlights the tension between the desire to obey God's law and the reality of human weakness. Deliverance Through Christ The ultimate resolution to the problem of sin stirred up by the law is found in Jesus Christ. Romans 7:24-25 declares, "What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God, through Jesus Christ our Lord!" Through Christ, believers are set free from the condemnation of the law and empowered to live by the Spirit, fulfilling the righteous requirements of the law in a new way. Conclusion The law, by its strictness, serves to illuminate the pervasive nature of sin, driving individuals to seek redemption through Christ. It underscores the holiness of God and the depth of human depravity, ultimately pointing to the transformative power of grace. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 7:5,8,11For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit to death. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library A Compendious view of the Christian Life. Introduction to Oration ii. The Epistle of St. James Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ... Resources Questions about Sin (All) | GotQuestions.orgDoes the Bible teach mortal and venial sin? | GotQuestions.org How can I learn to hate my own sin? | GotQuestions.org Sin: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sin in Believers is a Reproach to the Lord Sin is the Transgression of the Law Sin Money: General Scriptures Concerning Sin: Aggravated by Neglecting Advantages Sin: All Men are Conceived and Born In Sin: All the Imaginations of the Unrenewed Heart Are Sin: Blessings Withheld on Account of Sin: Christ Was Manifested to Take Away Sin: Christ's Blood Cleanses From Sin: Christ's Blood Redeems From Sin: Confusion of Face Belongs to Those Guilty of Sin: Consequences of, Entailed Upon Children Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: Counted In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: Manna and Quail Given In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The Complaint for Bread In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The People of Israel Journey Through Sin: Entered Into the World by Adam Sin: God Has Opened a Fountain For Sin: God is Provoked to Anger By Sin: God is Provoked to Jealousy By Sin: If we Say That we Have No, we Make God a Liar Sin: Ministers should Warn the Wicked to Forsake Sin: No Escape from the Consequences of Sin: No Man Can Cleanse Himself From Sin: Not Counted Against Righteous People Sin: Omission of What we Know to be Good Is Sin: Paul's Discussion of the Responsibility For Sin: Repugnant to Righteous People Sin: Saints: Abhor Themselves on Account of Sin: Saints: Ashamed of Having Committed Sin: Saints: Have Yet the Remains of, in Them Sin: Saints: Profess to Have Ceased From Sin: Scripture Concludes all Under Sin: Shall Find out the Wicked Sin: should be Avoided Even in Appearance Sin: should be Guarded Against Sin: should be Striven Against Sin: should be Wholly Destroyed Sin: Sometimes Open and Manifest Sin: Specially Strive Against Besetting Sin: The Abominable Thing That God Hates Sin: The Fear of God Restrains Sin: The Ground Was Cursed on Account of Sin: The Holy Spirit Convinces of Sin: The Law by Its Strictness Stirs Up Sin: The Law is the Strength of Sin: The Law is Transgressed by Every Sin: The Law: Curses Those Guilty of Sin: The Law: Gives Knowledge of Sin: The Law: Made to Restrain Sin: The Law: Shows Exceeding Sinfulness of Sin: The Thought of Foolishness Is Sin: The Wicked: Cannot Cease From Sin: The Wicked: Defy God in Committing Sin: The Wicked: Delight in Those Who Commit Sin: The Wicked: Encourage Themselves In Sin: The Wicked: Encouraged In, by Prosperity Sin: The Wicked: Expect Impunity In Sin: The Wicked: Guilty of, in Everything They Do Sin: The Wicked: Led by Despair to Continue In Sin: The Wicked: Make a Mock At Sin: The Wicked: Plead Necessity For Sin: The Wicked: Shall Bear the Shame of Sin: The Wicked: Tempt Others To Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on God Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on Others Sin: The Wicked: Try to Conceal, from God Sin: The Word of God Keeps From Sin: Toil and Sorrow Originated In Sin: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To, Defining and Illustrating Sin: we should Pray to God: To Cleanse Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Deliver Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Forgive Our Sin: we should Pray to God: To Keep Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Make Us Know Our Sin: we should Pray to God: To Search For, in Our Hearts Sin: Whatever is not of Faith Is Sin: when Finished Brings Forth Death Related Terms Sin-offering (115 Occurrences) |