Romans 7:10
“And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death.”
Context:The Book of Romans, written by the Apostle Paul, is a letter addressing the Christian community in Rome. It discusses various theological topics, including sin, justification, and the law.
The Law and Its Purpose:Throughout the Book of Romans, Paul emphasizes the distinction between the law and grace. The law, particularly the commandments given in the Old Testament, reveals God’s standard of righteousness and exposes human sinfulness (Romans 3:20). It shows us what is right and wrong, but it cannot provide salvation or righteousness on its own.
The Commandment Ordained to Life:In Romans 7:10, Paul speaks about the commandment. It refers to God’s law, particularly the Ten Commandments and the moral law revealed in the Old Testament. The law was given by God to guide His people and lead them to life. It revealed the righteous standard of God and pointed out the way to live in harmony with His will.
The Law and Death:Paul states that he found the commandment, which was intended for life, to be unto death. This statement reflects the experience of humanity in relation to the law. The law exposes our sinfulness and highlights our inability to perfectly fulfill its requirements. As a result, it brings a sense of condemnation and death because it reveals our guilt and the consequences of our sin.
The Purpose of the Law:Although the law exposes sin and leads to death, it serves a crucial purpose. The law shows our need for a Savior and points us to Jesus Christ. It reveals our inability to save ourselves and highlights our dependence on God’s grace. The law acts as a schoolmaster, guiding us to Christ (Galatians 3:24), who fulfils the law perfectly and offers us forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life through faith.
The Fulfillment in Christ:In the following chapters of Romans, Paul explains how Jesus Christ has fulfilled the righteous requirements of the law on our behalf. Through faith in Christ, believers are justified, declared righteous by God, and set free from the condemnation of the law. The power of sin is overcome through the indwelling Holy Spirit, who enables believers to live a new life of righteousness.
Overall, Romans 7:10 highlights the purpose and limitations of the law. While the commandment was given for life, it exposes our sinfulness and inability to fulfil it perfectly. It emphasises the need for a Savior and points us to Jesus Christ, who fulfils the law and offers us forgiveness and eternal life through faith in Him.
