Thoughts on the Epistle to the Romans (121) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, You shall not covet.
Romans 7:7

Thoughts on the Epistle to the Romans (121)
Paul has explained what arouses the passions of sin and condemns mankind. As a result, fruit is brought unto death v. 5). He now develops this thought.

Someone might ask whether the law itself could possibly be sinful. Such an idea must be rejected. The law was given by God. It is in no way the source of sin; the troubled source is in man's nature.

By means of the law God wished to convict man of his sin, so that his sinfulness comes to light in all its fullness. The law draws a boundary line which must not be transgressed. The prohibitions address man's sinful nature, which wishes to carry out the very things that are forbidden.

When the law sets out its prohibitions in more detail (e.g. Exodus 20, 17) the lure of forbidden fruits is aroused in our sinful nature. And giving way to the lure even in our thoughts is in itself sin (cf. Matthew 5, 28).

The prohibitions of the law therefore prove that sinful tendencies are present in man's nature from his birth, and he cannot prevent or control them.

(to be continued next Sunday)

Today's reading: Deuteronomy ch. 3, v. 26 - ch.3, v. 7