Topical Encyclopedia The concept that "the law is the strength of sin" is rooted in the Apostle Paul's writings, particularly in the New Testament. This phrase is found in 1 Corinthians 15:56, where Paul states, "The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law" . This statement encapsulates a profound theological insight into the relationship between God's law and human sinfulness.The Law and Sin in Pauline Theology Paul's epistles, especially Romans and 1 Corinthians, explore the intricate relationship between the law and sin. In Romans 7:7-13, Paul elaborates on how the law, though holy and righteous, reveals sin. He 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" (Romans 7:7). Here, Paul acknowledges that the law serves as a mirror, reflecting human sinfulness by defining what is contrary to God's will. The law's role is not to cause sin but to expose it. By delineating God's standards, the law makes individuals aware of their transgressions. In Romans 5:20, Paul further explains, "The law came in so that the trespass would increase; but where sin increased, grace increased all the more" . The increase of trespass is not due to the law's imperfection but due to human nature's propensity to rebel against divine commandments. The Strength of Sin The phrase "the power of sin is the law" suggests that sin gains its strength from the law because the law defines and condemns sin. Without the law, sin would not be recognized as transgression. In Romans 7:8, Paul 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" . This indicates that the law, by defining sin, gives it a form and a name, thus empowering it to exert its influence over human behavior. The Purpose of the Law From a biblical perspective, the law serves several purposes. It reveals God's holy character and moral expectations, convicts individuals of their sinfulness, and points them toward the need for a Savior. Galatians 3:24 states, "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 inability to achieve righteousness on their own and their need for redemption through Jesus Christ. The Fulfillment of the Law in Christ In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is presented as the fulfillment of the law. Matthew 5:17 records Jesus saying, "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" . Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ accomplished what the law could not—providing a means for humanity to be reconciled with God. Romans 8:3-4 further explains, "For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin. He thus condemned sin in the flesh, so that the righteous standard of the law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit" . Through faith in Christ, believers are empowered to live in accordance with the Spirit, fulfilling the righteous requirements of the law. Conclusion The relationship between the law and sin is a complex yet essential aspect of Christian theology. The law, while holy and just, serves to highlight human sinfulness and the need for divine grace. Through Christ, believers find the fulfillment of the law and the power to overcome sin, living in the freedom and righteousness that comes from faith. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Corinthians 15:56The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library "For the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus Hath Made Me ... "And for Sin Condemned Sin in the Flesh. " "For what the Law could not Do, in that it was Weak through the ... The Fifty-Fifth Chapter: the Corruption of Nature and the Efficacy ... Law and Grace. "That the Righteousness of the Law Might be Fulfilled in Us. " The Favourable Testimonies of More Recent Divines The Law of God Christ the End of the Law "For what the Law could not Do, in that it was Weak through the ... Resources What is the definition of sin? | GotQuestions.orgThe Study of Sin ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org If Jesus paid the price for our sin, why do we still suffer the consequences of our 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) |
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