Justification: A Study in RomansNäide

What does it say?

Although the Law helped people to recognize their sins, we have been released from the Law to serve the Spirit. Paul wanted to do good, but he could not do it on his own.

What does it mean?

The believer is released from trying to keep the letter of the Old Testament Law since it cannot save anyone from sin. What, then, was the purpose of the Law? It revealed sin and people as sinners in need of a Savior. The Law removed the misconception that we’re fine just as we are. Being a Christian means a lifetime of struggling between the spirit and the flesh. Followers of Christ are delivered from the penalty of sin, but they live in the presence of sin every day in the world.

How should I respond?

Have you recently thought or said something and then wondered, “Where did that come from?” As you continue to grow in Christ, there is still a battle against sin going on inside of you. The more clearly you understand the character of God, the more sensitive you become to the presence of sinful thoughts, attitudes, and actions. You can never conquer sin on your own by following a list of dos and don’ts. What are you currently doing that you do not want to do, and what are you not doing that you really want to do? Yield your mind to Christ today; He has already fought the battle and won.