Ep 90 – Romans 5:12-21

What is the Christian's relationship with the law? On the one hand, Paul will say that the law is holy, just and good. On the other hand, he'll say that we are no longer under the law, but instead, under grace. In chapter seven he'll tell us that we have died to the law, so therefore, we are released from it. But Paul's issue with the law has nothing to do with its authority, just its efficacy. In other words, the law, while holy, was not designed to save. In fact, it can't save. It can instruct. It can convict. It can condemn. But it will never make anyone right with God. Paul will make it quite clear that the law was given to reveal our sinfulness, not get rid of it. And what makes the law holy is that it is a tangible expression of God's righteous requirements for mankind. And while any attempt to obey the law and gain favor with God will prove futile, the believer is able to obey out of love, not obligation, and in the power of the Spirit, not the flesh.