Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. The "therefore now" does not introduce an inference from the immediately preceding argument — which could not warrant it — but one grounded on the previously affirmed effectiveness of the gospel to accomplish that for believers which the law never could. The justifying ground of this discharge from condemnation was set forth in Romans 3:21-26. The principle upon which it proceeds was illustrated in Romans 5:12-21. The persons to whom it is extended, and the new life of which they become the participators was specified in Romans 6:1-11. The reason for the impotence of the law was stated in Romans 6:14, and this impotence had supplied the theme for illustration in Romans 7:6-25, and the power of the gospel which had been distinctly stated in ver. 6, with an eye to which the apostle had penned (ver. 25). Note — I. THE LAW OF SIN AND DEATH FROM THE POWER OF WHICH BELIEVERS OBTAIN DELIVERANCE IN CHRIST. It will be observed that the apostle does not speak of two laws, but of the one. Not that the two things are one, but that the one "law" pervades them both, and binds them together (Romans 5:12-21; Ezekiel 18:4; James 1:15; Ephesians 2:1-5; Ephesians 4:17-19). This one law renders it impossible that the sinner can of himself regain the possession of innocence and peace, and evermore impels him onwards and downwards in the fearful descending circle of transgression and punishment. Man in the very act of sinning dies; or, being already dead, plunges into a still deeper death (Hebrews 9:14). II. THE SPHERE WITHIN WHICH LIBERATION HAS BEEN PROVIDED — "In Christ." 1. In Christ the double necessity of man's case has been provided for; the two-fold difficulty has been solved; the one by the death of the Son of God, the other by His life (Romans 4:25, cf. 5:18, 21). 2. The actual liberation is conferred on men only as they become united to Christ. It is indeed true that there has come a dispensation of grace and renewed probation to all men; but the actual discharge from condemnation, and the liberty from the "law of sin and death," do not come to any but to those who are found in Christ by faith (cf. Ephesians 1). III. FOR ALL THOSE WHO ARE IN CHRIST THE LIBERATION IS ACTUALLY ACCOMPLISHED. 1. "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ": He was condemned on their account, and they were condemned in Him. He died for their sins, and they died in Him (Romans 6:7, 8). 2. The liberation from sin is secured to believers in the active life; "for the law of the Spirit of life," etc. (1) The law of sin is a law of death; and the "law of the Spirit" is a law of life. Sin deals death, and thereby perpetuates both itself and its punishment; but "the Spirit" inspires life, and thereby liberates both from sin and death, and insures everlasting victory and blessedness. (2) But how does the law of this new life in Christ exert within us its liberating power? Does it seize upon us from without, as the Spirit of inspiration seized upon the prophets? Or does it come upon us as a new constituent element of being? Or is it not the law of a new life which is infused into our spirit by the Spirit of God? (3) The new law acts upon the conscience through the medium of the light and truth of the gospel (John 17:3; 2 Corinthians 4:6; 1 Peter 1:23). This living and abiding Word supplies — (a) That precious knowledge of the redemption in Christ which provides peace for the guilty conscience. (b) That knowledge of the royal and perfect law of liberty which is a sure and sufficient guide for conscience in the practical life. (c) That knowledge of God, as a God of love, as our God and Father in Christ, which imparts joyous courage and prevailing power to conscience. Conclusion: 1. Secure this glorious liberty. (1) Ponder well the terrible power of this law, and the dreadful consequences of remaining beneath its dominion. (2) There is now in Christ a perfect liberty from this law available for all who will accept it. Lay hold, by faith, of the hope now set before you in the gospel of Christ. 2. Having secured this inestimable liberty see that you hold it fast. (W. Tyson.) Parallel Verses KJV: For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.WEB: For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and of death. |
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