Gift of God in Christ redeems the fallen

Romans 7: 14-25

v. 24, “Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!”

Law of sin Vs law of God

Sin is not merely a situation created by a wrong decision or choice of ours. But it is a reality into which we all are born. As we are brought up in a sinful habitat our inclinations are towards sinful choices. St. Paul laments this inclination that often lands him up in doing what he ought not (v. 16). Paul brings out an idea of human psyche in the light of his understanding of Jewish law and the Christian understanding of forgiveness, grace and new life revealed through Jesus. For him the human psyche is the site of war between two types of contrasting laws.

On the one hand is the law of God and on the other hand is the law of sin (vv. 22-23). Paul is said to be delighted in his innermost self, which is filled and guided by the law of God. But his flesh and its members are said to be the captives of the law of sin that counters the purposes of the law of God. The overwhelming influence in human life imprisons them in a body of death and its fear. God’s gift of Jesus is said to be the way out from this body of death (vv. 24-25).

The counter-reign of Grace in Jesus

The reign of death is countered by the reign of grace in Jesus, the gift of God for the human race. This gift doesn’t come to us as a reward to our righteousness, but as undeserving grace in spite of our many transgressions and wretchedness (v. 24-25). This counter-reign of grace in Jesus reconstitutes the fallen human nature by putting out of operation the old sinful nature. One of the specialties of this gift unlike other gifts is that though it is given, it still belongs to the giver. Thus the recipient of the gift is also bound to obey the giver of the gift as the gift is enjoyed and experienced. Let’s be thankful to God for this gift of God in Christ that comes to us with the hope of a renewed life.

Prayer

God of grace, Help us to be obedient to your will in our lives as we continue to experience your restoring grace in our sinful lives. Amen