laws

“Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering.”Romans 8:1-3

In the chapter that precedes this Scripture, Paul shared his confession about the sin that is a constant source of conflict in his life. He wants to do what is right and godly, but his old sinful nature rises up and tries to control him. 

He feels like he is in the middle of a great battle between good and evil. Have you ever felt that way?

I want you to know that when I was growing up, I was a good boy. I always tried to be good, but it often did not work out that way. You may think that I am making this up, but I can remember lying in bed in the morning trying to imagine what I would get a spanking for that day.

That was back in the day when spanking was not considered child abuse. It was simply applying the board of knowledge to the seat of learning! It was a painful lesson—but effective. The old saying; “Spare the rod and spoil the child,” has certainly been proven true in our day and age. We are paying the price for our neglect to discipline.

Paul closes chapter seven with this shout of victory in verse 25: “Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin and death.”

Isn’t it satisfying to know that God has provided our deliverence? He knew that we would never be able to be good enough to merit salvation. Blood was required for the atonement for sin, but there was a catch—it had to be the blood of a spotless lamb.

Year by year Israel sacrificed a lamb as a substitute, but it still was not enough. God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, the totally innocent Lamb of God to be slain for the sins of the people. Our salvation comes as we confess our sin and need to the Lord. We invite Him into our heart and immediately become “born again” children of God! Praise the Lord! I think that is why Paul shouted—“Thanks be to God”.

If you are dealing with sin in your life, confess it. I do not mean a half-hearted—“I’m sorry”, but a deep seated sorrow for your sin. According to I John 1:9, we have assurance that our confession will be heard: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

-cecil thompson