Paul’s letter to the Romans discusses the law of sin and death in chapter 8 verse 2. To fully understand this concept, we must look at the broader context of Romans chapter 8 and other relevant passages in Scripture.
The Wages of Sin is Death
Romans 6:23 tells us “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This establishes the basic principle that sin leads to death. God warned Adam and Eve that if they disobeyed His command and ate the forbidden fruit, they would “surely die” (Genesis 2:17). Their sin brought both physical death and spiritual separation from God into the world.
Every human being since Adam and Eve has struggled with the effect of sin, as Paul describes in Romans 3:23 – “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” The impact of sin is pervasive in both our actions and our nature. Sin corrupts us inside and out. Romans 6:23 reminds us that the just penalty for sin is death.
The Law’s Relationship to Sin
What role does the law play in relation to sin and death? God gave the law, as summarized in the Ten Commandments, as an objective standard of righteousness. The law reveals God’s perfect holiness and exposes our sinfulness. Romans 7:7 says “I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law.”
Although the law is good, it cannot change our sinful nature or deliver us from sin’s power. Romans 8:3 says “For what the law was powerless to do…God did by sending his own Son…” The law condemns us because we are unable to keep it perfectly. Trying to earn salvation through the law only leads to frustration and despair.
The Flesh versus the Spirit
Romans 8 contrasts living according to the flesh and living according to the Spirit. “Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires” (Romans 8:5).
“The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace” (Romans 8:6). Left to ourselves, we are trapped in sinful flesh that can only lead to spiritual death. But by the power of the Holy Spirit, we can have new life and freedom from sin’s domination.
Freedom through Christ
This brings us to Romans 8:2 – “Because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” The good news is that Christ frees us from sin’s condemnation and power. Jesus paid the penalty for our sins through His death on the cross, satisfying the law’s demands.
When we trust in Christ, we are no longer under the law’s condemnation. We also receive the indwelling Holy Spirit, who enables us to walk in newness of life and not be mastered by the flesh. Believers have been set free from slavery to sin, so we no longer face its ultimate consequence – death.
A Contrast of Two Laws
Romans 8:2 contrasts two competing laws or principles – the law of sin and death versus the law of the Spirit of life. The law of sin leads to separation from God and eternal death. This law operates through the power of sinful flesh and our fallen nature.
But Christians are under a new law – the law of the Spirit of life. The Holy Spirit breathes new life into our mortal bodies. The Spirit’s power enables us to be victorious over sin and to produce spiritual fruit. This law liberates us from sin’s control and consequences.
The Spirit Brings Life
Romans 8 emphasizes the vital role of the Holy Spirit in bringing us new life:
– “The law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death” (v.2)
– “Through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death” (v.3)
– “Those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires” (v.5)
– “The Spirit gives life” (v.10)
– “If…the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit” (v.11)
The Spirit is the agent of new creation and resurrection life for believers. He regenerates our dead hearts, renews our minds, and will one day resurrect our mortal bodies.
The Flesh Brings Death
While the Spirit brings life, the flesh leads only to death:
– “The mind governed by the flesh is death” (v.6)
– “The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so” (v.7)
– “Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God” (v.8)
Left under the law of sin and the flesh, we face judgment and spiritual death. But the Spirit liberates us into righteousness, peace, and everlasting life.
Victory Over Sin in Christ
Romans 8 ends on a note of great victory and assurance. Nothing can separate believers from the love of God because of our union with Christ (v.38-39). Although we still struggle with sin, its ultimate defeat is guaranteed through Christ:
– “He condemned sin in the flesh” (v.3)
– “The righteous requirement of the law [is] fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit” (v.4)
– “The mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace…the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you” (vv.6,11)
– “If by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live” (v.13)
– “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children” (v.16)
In Christ, we are no longer enslaved under the law of sin and death. His Spirit empowers us to walk in newness of life as God’s beloved children.
Implications and Application
Understanding the law of sin and death has several important implications:
1. We should avoid legalism. The law cannot conquer the flesh or deliver us from sin. Salvation is by grace alone through faith in Christ.
2. We should walk in the Spirit, rejecting the desires of the flesh. The Holy Spirit gives us power to overcome sinful habits and addictions.
3. Our victory over sin is rooted in Christ’s finished work, not our own effort. We grow in holiness as we meditate on His death and resurrection.
4. We can have great assurance in Christ, even when we stumble and fall. The Spirit continues His liberating work in our lives.
5. We can look forward to the redemption of our bodies at the resurrection. The Spirit who raised Jesus will also resurrect us.
6. We should proclaim the gospel of grace. Only Christ can save people from the law of sin and death.
In summary, the law of the Spirit brings freedom and life through the finished work of Christ and the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit who applies that work to believers. This contrasts with the law of sin which leads to judgment and death apart from Christ.
