The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum question on romans 7

In reply to:

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[color:"blue"]If one treats this passage the way one would, say, a spiritual conversation with a friend at the kitchen counter with a cup of coffee, the meaning is clear, IMO.

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That's a great way of putting it. Sure, it's like Paul is simply recounting his life in a very brief way; reflecting upon how keeping the law was something he thought was within his grasp and that he was righteous before God. But then when the Spirit "made him alive", his failure to even comprehend the law rightly became apparent and the conviction for transgressing it filled his mind and soul. He then makes clear that it isn't the fault of the law that he is a sinner, but he himself is to blame. The law is actually something pure, good and to be desired. For those who keep it are pleasing to God. Yet.... none but Christ has been able to keep the law as it should be kept, so while he will strive to do that which the law requires as a means of pleasing God in his life, it is by faith in Christ, the Law-Keeping Saviour, alone.....that he realizes he is acceptable before God. Thus he lives his life as a constant battle; fighting the remnants of temptation and sin which were not totally eradicated in his new birth and at the same time delighting in doing that which is right according to God's holy law with his full dependency and hope upon the substitutionary work of the Lord Christ for both his justification and sanctification.