The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Murray on Romans 5:7

Does anyone have a copy of Murray on Romans handy? If so, could you let me know whether he believes the "righteous" man and "good" man in the above verse are separate people?

I note Morris and Lloyd-Jones think this but until my pastor mentioned it in a sermon yesterday I'd always thought they were the same person.

Any thoughts?

In Christ,

James.

James,

John Murray believes that the two terms represent one man and not two individual men. He says that the two terms represent two "characteristics" of one individual man. To be honest, I'm not convinced by Murray's arguments and still would hold that there are two types of individuals being referred to in the text. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

In His Grace,

Thanks.

James.

I am intrigued by these two kinds of people in verse 7. I think that they are examples of two different kinds of people. I will paraphrase and anyone may correct me if I err from the truth Paul is revealing here:

Paul appears to be saying that a man would barely or scarcely die for one who is righteous. This is curious; a righteous man has obtained favor and approval from God, he is justified, his credentials are backed by God. But our tendency in the flesh, our sinful nature would influence us to refrain from dying for him.

Peradventure (perhaps) one might even dare to die for a good man. The good man is one that we (from man’s point of view?) would find honorable, worthy to die for, useful, upright and excellent; attributes that society holds in high regard.

Maybe I am trying to see too much in comparing the two examples, but it appears that Paul is saying that we might die a little more likely for one who has nobility or redeemable qualities (our standards) than for one who is righteous from God’s standards.

What seems unbelievable (in contrast to our reluctance above) is the miracle that Christ died for us while we were yet sinners. We were lost, totally depraved and unworthy. Certainly we were not either of the two kinds of people discussed in verse 7. But Christ died for us while we were still deserving of condemnation and death, what an incomprehensible love He has for us!