THE SIN OF MAN AND THE LAW OF GOD

ROMANS 7:7

What shall we say, then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! I would not have known what sin was except through the law. For I would not have known what it was to covet if the law had not said, “Do not covet”

(Romans 7:7).

It is often difficult to distinguish good from evil. Because of our “fallenness” and sin we tend to call evil good and good evil. In addition, we have to contend with the influence of Satan and his demonic host as well as the perverse forces in our society which distort the truth. Is there any way that we can confidently discern the difference between good and evil, between sin and righteousness?

The Law Shows Us Good and Evil

Yes there is. The objective revelation of God that defines for us with clarity the difference between sinfulness and righteousness is found in the law of God. If we want to straighten out our minds regarding what is good and what is evil, we must pay close attention to the law of God.

Now perhaps you are thinking, “But wait, as a New Covenant believer I am free from the law. Are you suggesting I must go back under the law?” No, I am suggesting that you study the law not to the end that you go back under its curse or be enslaved by it again. I suggest that you study the law so that you might comprehend the severity of sin.

The Law and Forgiveness

God’s forgiveness not only brings us into the kingdom but sustains us there day by day. If we are to understand forgiveness, we must first understand confession; to understand repentance and confession, we must first understand what sin is; to understand sin we must understand the law.

Law and Gospel are not enemies but friends. We distinguish them, but we may not separate them. Without the law, we cannot understand the Gospel, and without the Gospel, we cannot begin to fulfill God’s law.

CORAM DEO

The Psalmist cries, “Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long” (Psalm 119:97). David loved the law because it showed him right from wrong, and also because it showed him how to confess his sins and live close to God. How about you? If you have not already read R. C.’s article entitled “The Law of God” on pages 4 and 5, do so now. In addition, continue reading Psalm 119 until you are aware of a growing love for God’s standards such as King David enjoyed.

For further study: Psalm 19, 119; Galatians 3:19–25

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april