Romans 8:2
Verse
Context
Walking by the Spirit
1Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set you free from the law of sin and death. 3For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin. He thus condemned sin in the flesh,
Sermons
Alan RedpathAlan Redpath
Neil T. Anderson
Joni Eareckson Tada
F.J. HuegelSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For the law of the Spirit of life - The Gospel of the grace of Christ, which is not only a law or rule of life, but affords that sovereign energy by which guilt is removed from the conscience, the power of sin broken, and its polluting influence removed from the heart. The law was a spirit of death, by which those who were under it were bound down, because of their sin, to condemnation and death. The Gospel proclaims Jesus the Savior; and what the law bound unto death, It looses unto life eternal. And thus the apostle says, whether of himself or the man whom he is still personating, the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. Most people allow that St. Paul is here speaking of his own state; and this state is so totally different from that described in the preceding chapter, that it is absolutely impossible that they should have been the state of the same being, at one and the same time. No creature could possibly be carnal, sold under sin, brought into captivity to the law of sin and death; and at the same time be made free from that law of sin and death, by the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus! Until the most palpable absurdities and contradictions can be reconciled, these two opposite states can never exist in the same person at the same time.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free--rather, "freed me"--referring to the time of his conversion, when first he believed. from the law of sin and death--It is the Holy Ghost who is here called "the Spirit of life," as opening up in the souls of believers a fountain of spiritual life (see on Joh 7:38-39); just as He is called "the Spirit of truth," as "guiding them into all truth" (Joh 16:13), and "the Spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord" (Isa 11:2), as the inspirer of these qualities. And He is called "the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus," because it is as members of Christ that He takes up His abode in believers, who in consequence of this have one life with their Head. And as the word "law" here has the same meaning as in Rom 7:23, namely, "an inward principle of action, operating with the fixedness and regularity of a law," it thus appears that "the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus" here means, "that new principle of action which the Spirit of Christ has opened up within us--the law of our new being." This "sets us free," as soon as it takes possession of our inner man, "from the law of sin and death" that is, from the enslaving power of that corrupt principle which carries death in its bosom. The "strong man armed" is overpowered by the "stronger than he"; the weaker principle is dethroned and expelled by the more powerful; the principle of spiritual life prevails against and brings into captivity the principle of spiritual death--"leading captivity captive." If this be the apostle's meaning, the whole verse is to this effect: That the triumph of believers over their inward corruption, through the power of Christ's Spirit in them, proves them to be in Christ Jesus, and as such absolved from condemnation. But this is now explained more fully.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus,.... These words are of difficult interpretation. They may be understood of the Gospel revealing and declaring deliverance from the law of Moses; wherefore there can be "no condemnation", Rom 8:1, by it. The Gospel may be designed by "the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus"; which may be called a law, not as succeeding the law of works, by which that is abrogated; nor as requiring conditions to be performed, or as enjoining duties to be observed, or as delivering out threatenings in case of disobedience; but as it is a doctrine, order, and chain of truths, as the Hebrew word signifies, and which is sometimes used for the Gospel, Isa 2:3 as is, Rom 3:27. It may be called the law, or doctrine "of the Spirit", because the Spirit is the author of it, and makes it powerful and effectual to the good of souls; by it the Spirit of God is conveyed into the heart; and the substance of it are spiritual things: and the "law of the Spirit of life", because it discovers the way of life and salvation by Christ; is the means of quickening dead sinners; of working faith in them, by which they live on Christ, and of reviving drooping saints; and also it affords spiritual food, for the support of life: and this may be said to be "in Christ", or by him, inasmuch as it comes from, and is concerning him; he is the sum, the substance, and subject matter of it: the law of sin and death may intend the law of Moses, called "the law of sin"; not as if it was sinful, or commanded or encouraged sin, for it severely prohibits it; but because by it, through the corruption of man's nature, sin is irritated, and made to abound; it is the strength of sin, and by it is the knowledge of it: and it may be called "the law of death", because it threatened with death, in case of disobedience; it sentences and adjudges transgressors to death; and when it is attended with power, it strikes dead all a man's hopes of life, by obedience to it; it leaves persons dead as it finds them, and gives no life, nor hopes of it; by it none can live, or be justified: now, though Christ is the author of deliverance from it, yet the Gospel is the means of revealing and declaring this deliverance; which designs not an exemption from obedience to it, but freedom from the curse and condemnation of it; and this sense well agrees with Rom 8:1; likewise the words are capable of being understood of the power and efficacy of the Spirit of God, in delivering regenerate persons from the dominion and tyranny of sin; and which may be considered as a reason why they "walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit", Rom 8:1, "life" may well be ascribed to the Spirit of God, or be called the Spirit of life, because he has life in himself as the Father and Son have; and is the author of life to others, of natural life to all men as creatures, and of spiritual life to the people of God in regeneration; and is a quickening spirit to them afterwards, as he will be to the dead bodies of the saints in the resurrection: by "the law" of the Spirit may be meant, the energy and power of the Spirit in conversion; which work requires power, and a man has no power of himself to effect it; but there is a power in the Spirit, which works irresistibly, though not by any force or compulsion to the will, but it moves upon it sweetly, powerfully, and effectually: and all this may be said to be "in Christ": the life which the Spirit is the author and giver of, is in Christ as the head of his people, the proper repository of all grace, and the fountain of life; the Spirit himself is in him, both as God and as man, and as Mediator, hence the saints receive him and his gifts and graces from him; and the law of the Spirit, or his power and efficacy in working, is "in" or "by" Christ, through his sufferings and death, and in consequence of his mediation: now this powerful and quickening efficacy of the Spirit delivers regenerate persons from the force and tyranny of sin, called here "the law of sin and death"; a "law of sin", because it has power and dominion over unregenerate persons, its throne is in the heart of man, and its laws are many and powerful; and "the law of death", because its reign is tyrannical, barbarous and cruel, it is unto death: and from its governing influence, and tyrannical power, does the Spirit of God free his people in regeneration; not from the being of sin; nor from the rage of it, and disturbance it gives; nor from such power of it, but that they may fall into sin; but so as that sin does not properly reign over them, nor legally, nor universally, or so as to bring a death on their graces, and their persons into condemnation. Once more, those words may be understood of the holiness of Christ's human nature, as a branch of our justification, and freedom from the guilt of sin, and condemnation by it: for as "the law of sin and death" may design inherent corruption, and the force and power of it in the saints; so the opposite to it, "the law of the Spirit of life in Christ", may mean the purity and holiness of his human nature. That Christ's human nature is pure and holy is certain, from express texts of Scripture, from its union to the Son of God, from the ends and purposes of its assumption, from the inefficacy of Satan's temptations, and from the whole course of his life and conversation; for though he was in the likeness of sinful flesh, was reckoned a sinner by men, was attended with infirmities, the effects of sin, though not sinful, had all the sins of his people imputed to him, and endured afflictions, and at last death; yet his nature was pure and untainted: for he did not descend from Adam by ordinary generation; and though made of a woman, yet the flesh he took of her was sanctified by the Holy Ghost; his body was prepared by God, and curiously wrought by the Spirit, from whom his whole human nature received a fulness of habitual holiness: and this may be called "the Spirit of life" in him, because he is a quickening Spirit in regeneration, justification, and the resurrection from the dead; "the law" of it, because the holiness of his nature lies in, arises from, and is conformable to a law that is within him, written on his heart; and because, together with his obedience and death, it has a force, power, and authority, to free from condemnation; for this is not a mere necessary qualification of him to be the Mediator, or what renders his obedience, sacrifice, and intercession, efficacious and valuable, or is merely exemplary to us, but is what is imputed to us, as a part of our justification. The law requires a holy nature of us, we have not one, Christ assumed one for us, and so is the end of the law, or answers the requirement of the law in this respect, as well as in all others: and hence, though sanctification begun in us, does not free us from the being of sin, and all its force and power, yet perfect sanctification in Christ frees from all condemnation by it.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
8:2 the power (literally the law) of the life-giving Spirit: This reference to power or law could refer to the law of Moses, which the Spirit can use to produce life. But because Paul does not portray the law as a life-giving entity, “law” here, as in 7:23, probably means principle or power. The Holy Spirit is a power that frees the believer from the power of sin that leads to death.
Romans 8:2
Walking by the Spirit
1Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set you free from the law of sin and death. 3For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin. He thus condemned sin in the flesh,
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
How a Christian Gives Himself Away
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(Basics) 16. Keeping the Tenth Commandment
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Salvation
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(The Law of the Holy Spirit) Examples of Christ's Humility
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Suffering for the Sake Of
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This sermon emphasizes the importance of finding joy and hope in God, even in the midst of suffering and trials. It shares powerful stories of individuals facing challenges, highlighting the need to lean on God's strength and find purpose in difficulties. The message encourages listeners to embrace suffering, persevere with joy, and look forward to the ultimate hope of being united with God in eternal joy and peace.
Romans 7 - Bitter Tears
By F.J. Huegel2.6K42:27ROM 3:23ROM 6:23ROM 7:7ROM 7:14ROM 7:24ROM 8:2ROM 8:10In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the theme of Romans 7, which he refers to as an Everest. He explains that the Apostle Paul presents a moral giant facing the demands of the law and expressing despair at his inability to fulfill them. The speaker emphasizes that many Christians spend their days in this state of fear and legalism, but there is nothing to fear because grace can do more than the law. He concludes by sharing a story from Watchman Nee's book, where a lifeguard hesitates to save a drowning person, highlighting the controversy surrounding Romans 7 and leaving the interpretation to the listeners.
Law of the Spirit in Christ
By Manley Beasley2.3K52:15Spirit Of GodDEU 33:25PRO 3:5ISA 55:8ROM 8:2ROM 8:111JN 4:17In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the "Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus" as a key to overcoming sin and living a victorious life. He uses an illustration of a glove and a watch to explain how different laws operate in our lives. The speaker emphasizes that just as the law of gravity pulls a watch down, there is a law of sin working in us that naturally leads to wrongdoing. However, through the power of the Spirit, we can be set free from the law of sin and death and live according to the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus. The speaker encourages listeners to understand their identity in Christ and to rely on the power of the Spirit to live a life pleasing to God.
Paul - a Man of Passion
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Easter Sunday
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Freedom From Sin
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(Following the Footsteps of Christ) Bethlehem
By Willie Mullan1.7K1:06:42BethlehemISA 9:1ROM 8:2ROM 8:81CO 15:45HEB 4:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that as wandering and lost people, we need to be drawn by someone who is wonderful. He also highlights that we are like wilderness people who need direction from a counselor. Additionally, the speaker emphasizes that we are weak and in need of deliverance from someone who is mighty. The sermon also touches on the concept of salvation bringing glory to God and peace on earth, as well as the good will of God in sending Jesus. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about a doorbell ringing for an extended period of time and relates it to the glory of the Lord shining in the sky.
The Resurrection-01 Power of the Resurrection
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Issue of Life - What Is Life?
By Stephen Kaung1.7K1:07:09LifeJHN 1:4ROM 8:22CO 3:172CO 7:1GAL 6:171JN 2:27In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the unchanging nature of laws, using the example of gravity. He explains that the law of sin and death operates because humans live in the flesh, not recognizing that even the good in the flesh is still under this law. The speaker highlights the need for deliverance from this bondage, which can only be found through Jesus Christ. The sermon also discusses the working of the law of the spirit of life, which brings separation from worldly things and brings light and revelation to expose and judge everything.
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(Through the Bible) Romans 7
By Chuck Smith1.7K42:47Through The BibleMAT 5:21ROM 7:6ROM 7:24ROM 8:2ROM 8:4GAL 5:19In this sermon, the speaker reflects on their personal journey of trying to improve themselves through self-help methods and ultimately reaching a point of despair. They come to the realization that they cannot rely on their own strength and abilities, but instead need to surrender to Jesus Christ. Through this surrender, they experience victory and a closer relationship with God. The speaker acknowledges their own weaknesses and emphasizes the importance of relying on Jesus for deliverance and the capacity to do what is right.
Questions and Answers (Dutch)
By Zac Poonen1.6K1:42:15JHN 14:17ACT 1:5ROM 8:2EPH 4:31PHP 2:141JN 2:2REV 3:20
This sermon emphasizes the importance of continuous repentance and the progression in the Christian life, highlighting the need to walk in the light, repent daily, and be filled with the Holy Spirit to overcome sin. It explains the difference between being married to the law and being married to Christ, where the law of the Spirit inside us fulfills the righteous requirement of the law. The message also addresses the need for faith to receive from Christ, the ongoing repentance in the victorious life, and the significance of yielding every area of our lives to Jesus for the Holy Spirit to fill us completely.
Reigning in Life - Part 4
By Alan Martin1.6K00:00VictoryJOS 1:9JHN 17:17ROM 6:6ROM 8:22CO 1:202CO 5:171JN 5:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of finding peace and freedom in God. He acknowledges that the enemy can trap believers and steal their joy and relationships, but reassures them that God is present and can provide all they need. The preacher urges listeners to return to God and prioritize spending time with Him, rather than getting caught up in busyness and distractions. He also references the story of Mary and Martha, highlighting the value of choosing to rest in God's presence. The overall message is to seek a deep and experiential relationship with God, allowing His work in our lives to bring honor and glory to Him.
Growing in the Grace of God #08 - the Holy Spirit Covenant Part 2
By Bob Hoekstra1.5K49:28MAT 6:33JHN 4:14JHN 14:16ROM 8:2ROM 8:4GAL 3:2COL 1:27In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the work of the Holy Spirit in the growth of believers. He refers to Romans 8:3-4, which speaks about Jesus coming to deal with the problem of sin so that the righteous requirement of the law can be fulfilled in those who walk according to the Spirit. The speaker highlights that the law demands holiness, love, perfection, and being like God, and it is through the Holy Spirit that believers can increasingly fulfill these requirements. He also mentions that the kingdom is built by the Spirit, not by human effort, and that the end result of living according to the Spirit is not just personal satisfaction but also a bigger picture of proclaiming good tidings, healing the brokenhearted, and setting captives free, as Jesus did during his ministry.
Resurrection Life
By Art Katz1.5K52:31Resurrection LifeMAT 10:32MAT 16:24ROM 8:2ROM 10:91CO 1:18PHP 3:102TI 2:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not engaging in futile arguments with those who oppose the faith. He encourages believers to rely on the life of Christ, His wisdom, and power to navigate the complexities of the last days. The speaker shares a powerful testimony of a man who was tired of the ups and downs of his own efforts and eagerly asked how he could join the kingdom of God. The sermon also addresses the issue of striving in the flesh versus submitting to the cross and dying to self. The speaker concludes by highlighting the difficulty some believers have in fully embracing the resurrection of Christ and emphasizes the need for personal belief in order to experience salvation.
Led by the Spirit of God - Part 3
By Milton Green1.4K13:31ROM 8:2GAL 5:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a real experience with the Spirit of God. He warns against the power of darkness that can pervert this experience and hinder one's progress in their spiritual journey. The preacher encourages listeners to repent and seek God, allowing the Spirit of God to lead them. He emphasizes the need for a pure heart, which will be evident through bearing the fruits of the Spirit. The sermon also highlights the process of putting to death pride and other sinful tendencies, and the importance of enduring trials and tests in order to grow spiritually.
K-498 Resurrection Life (2 of 2)
By Art Katz1.4K43:18Resurrection LifePSA 27:1JHN 15:4ROM 6:14ROM 8:2GAL 2:20COL 1:271JN 3:6In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that Jesus is not just a one-time Savior, but a continual Savior from sin. The speaker highlights the importance of searching one's heart to understand sin and how to bring it to Jesus. They express gratitude for Jesus being a Savior from sin and emphasize that having Jesus as the life principle is incompatible with sin. The preacher also discusses the concept of union with Jesus through baptism, stating that because Jesus is in us, he continues to save us from sin. The sermon concludes by emphasizing that sin is driven out and kept out through the continual presence of Jesus in our lives.
Skyland Conference 1979-08 Victorious Living
By Aldy Fam Fanous1.4K42:06Victorious LivingISA 1:18EZK 47:3JHN 3:30ACT 9:11ROM 8:2GAL 6:14EPH 2:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of being on one's knees before the Lord. He uses the example of Saul of Tarsus, who was transformed after encountering Jesus on the road to Damascus and praying. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of preaching the message of the cross and the power of God for salvation and victory in one's life. The sermon also discusses the effect of the river's flow, using the analogy of needing water in the desert and the significance of being broken before the Spirit of God.
Three Tenses of Salvation
By Zac Poonen1.4K1:07:31SalvationSpiritual GrowthJHN 17:20ROM 5:9ROM 6:14ROM 8:2ROM 13:11EPH 2:8Zac Poonen emphasizes the three tenses of salvation in his sermon, focusing on being saved from sin rather than merely from hell. He argues that true salvation involves a deep commitment to spiritual growth and a desire to be free from sin, which is often overlooked by many believers who are only concerned with escaping hell. Poonen illustrates this through the metaphor of the tabernacle, highlighting the difference between the outer court, holy place, and most holy place, where true worship and communion with God occur. He challenges listeners to seek a life transformed by the power of Jesus, moving beyond superficial Christianity to a genuine relationship with Him. Ultimately, Poonen calls for a radical change in the lives of believers, urging them to prioritize their devotion to Christ above all else.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For the law of the Spirit of life - The Gospel of the grace of Christ, which is not only a law or rule of life, but affords that sovereign energy by which guilt is removed from the conscience, the power of sin broken, and its polluting influence removed from the heart. The law was a spirit of death, by which those who were under it were bound down, because of their sin, to condemnation and death. The Gospel proclaims Jesus the Savior; and what the law bound unto death, It looses unto life eternal. And thus the apostle says, whether of himself or the man whom he is still personating, the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. Most people allow that St. Paul is here speaking of his own state; and this state is so totally different from that described in the preceding chapter, that it is absolutely impossible that they should have been the state of the same being, at one and the same time. No creature could possibly be carnal, sold under sin, brought into captivity to the law of sin and death; and at the same time be made free from that law of sin and death, by the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus! Until the most palpable absurdities and contradictions can be reconciled, these two opposite states can never exist in the same person at the same time.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free--rather, "freed me"--referring to the time of his conversion, when first he believed. from the law of sin and death--It is the Holy Ghost who is here called "the Spirit of life," as opening up in the souls of believers a fountain of spiritual life (see on Joh 7:38-39); just as He is called "the Spirit of truth," as "guiding them into all truth" (Joh 16:13), and "the Spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord" (Isa 11:2), as the inspirer of these qualities. And He is called "the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus," because it is as members of Christ that He takes up His abode in believers, who in consequence of this have one life with their Head. And as the word "law" here has the same meaning as in Rom 7:23, namely, "an inward principle of action, operating with the fixedness and regularity of a law," it thus appears that "the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus" here means, "that new principle of action which the Spirit of Christ has opened up within us--the law of our new being." This "sets us free," as soon as it takes possession of our inner man, "from the law of sin and death" that is, from the enslaving power of that corrupt principle which carries death in its bosom. The "strong man armed" is overpowered by the "stronger than he"; the weaker principle is dethroned and expelled by the more powerful; the principle of spiritual life prevails against and brings into captivity the principle of spiritual death--"leading captivity captive." If this be the apostle's meaning, the whole verse is to this effect: That the triumph of believers over their inward corruption, through the power of Christ's Spirit in them, proves them to be in Christ Jesus, and as such absolved from condemnation. But this is now explained more fully.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus,.... These words are of difficult interpretation. They may be understood of the Gospel revealing and declaring deliverance from the law of Moses; wherefore there can be "no condemnation", Rom 8:1, by it. The Gospel may be designed by "the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus"; which may be called a law, not as succeeding the law of works, by which that is abrogated; nor as requiring conditions to be performed, or as enjoining duties to be observed, or as delivering out threatenings in case of disobedience; but as it is a doctrine, order, and chain of truths, as the Hebrew word signifies, and which is sometimes used for the Gospel, Isa 2:3 as is, Rom 3:27. It may be called the law, or doctrine "of the Spirit", because the Spirit is the author of it, and makes it powerful and effectual to the good of souls; by it the Spirit of God is conveyed into the heart; and the substance of it are spiritual things: and the "law of the Spirit of life", because it discovers the way of life and salvation by Christ; is the means of quickening dead sinners; of working faith in them, by which they live on Christ, and of reviving drooping saints; and also it affords spiritual food, for the support of life: and this may be said to be "in Christ", or by him, inasmuch as it comes from, and is concerning him; he is the sum, the substance, and subject matter of it: the law of sin and death may intend the law of Moses, called "the law of sin"; not as if it was sinful, or commanded or encouraged sin, for it severely prohibits it; but because by it, through the corruption of man's nature, sin is irritated, and made to abound; it is the strength of sin, and by it is the knowledge of it: and it may be called "the law of death", because it threatened with death, in case of disobedience; it sentences and adjudges transgressors to death; and when it is attended with power, it strikes dead all a man's hopes of life, by obedience to it; it leaves persons dead as it finds them, and gives no life, nor hopes of it; by it none can live, or be justified: now, though Christ is the author of deliverance from it, yet the Gospel is the means of revealing and declaring this deliverance; which designs not an exemption from obedience to it, but freedom from the curse and condemnation of it; and this sense well agrees with Rom 8:1; likewise the words are capable of being understood of the power and efficacy of the Spirit of God, in delivering regenerate persons from the dominion and tyranny of sin; and which may be considered as a reason why they "walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit", Rom 8:1, "life" may well be ascribed to the Spirit of God, or be called the Spirit of life, because he has life in himself as the Father and Son have; and is the author of life to others, of natural life to all men as creatures, and of spiritual life to the people of God in regeneration; and is a quickening spirit to them afterwards, as he will be to the dead bodies of the saints in the resurrection: by "the law" of the Spirit may be meant, the energy and power of the Spirit in conversion; which work requires power, and a man has no power of himself to effect it; but there is a power in the Spirit, which works irresistibly, though not by any force or compulsion to the will, but it moves upon it sweetly, powerfully, and effectually: and all this may be said to be "in Christ": the life which the Spirit is the author and giver of, is in Christ as the head of his people, the proper repository of all grace, and the fountain of life; the Spirit himself is in him, both as God and as man, and as Mediator, hence the saints receive him and his gifts and graces from him; and the law of the Spirit, or his power and efficacy in working, is "in" or "by" Christ, through his sufferings and death, and in consequence of his mediation: now this powerful and quickening efficacy of the Spirit delivers regenerate persons from the force and tyranny of sin, called here "the law of sin and death"; a "law of sin", because it has power and dominion over unregenerate persons, its throne is in the heart of man, and its laws are many and powerful; and "the law of death", because its reign is tyrannical, barbarous and cruel, it is unto death: and from its governing influence, and tyrannical power, does the Spirit of God free his people in regeneration; not from the being of sin; nor from the rage of it, and disturbance it gives; nor from such power of it, but that they may fall into sin; but so as that sin does not properly reign over them, nor legally, nor universally, or so as to bring a death on their graces, and their persons into condemnation. Once more, those words may be understood of the holiness of Christ's human nature, as a branch of our justification, and freedom from the guilt of sin, and condemnation by it: for as "the law of sin and death" may design inherent corruption, and the force and power of it in the saints; so the opposite to it, "the law of the Spirit of life in Christ", may mean the purity and holiness of his human nature. That Christ's human nature is pure and holy is certain, from express texts of Scripture, from its union to the Son of God, from the ends and purposes of its assumption, from the inefficacy of Satan's temptations, and from the whole course of his life and conversation; for though he was in the likeness of sinful flesh, was reckoned a sinner by men, was attended with infirmities, the effects of sin, though not sinful, had all the sins of his people imputed to him, and endured afflictions, and at last death; yet his nature was pure and untainted: for he did not descend from Adam by ordinary generation; and though made of a woman, yet the flesh he took of her was sanctified by the Holy Ghost; his body was prepared by God, and curiously wrought by the Spirit, from whom his whole human nature received a fulness of habitual holiness: and this may be called "the Spirit of life" in him, because he is a quickening Spirit in regeneration, justification, and the resurrection from the dead; "the law" of it, because the holiness of his nature lies in, arises from, and is conformable to a law that is within him, written on his heart; and because, together with his obedience and death, it has a force, power, and authority, to free from condemnation; for this is not a mere necessary qualification of him to be the Mediator, or what renders his obedience, sacrifice, and intercession, efficacious and valuable, or is merely exemplary to us, but is what is imputed to us, as a part of our justification. The law requires a holy nature of us, we have not one, Christ assumed one for us, and so is the end of the law, or answers the requirement of the law in this respect, as well as in all others: and hence, though sanctification begun in us, does not free us from the being of sin, and all its force and power, yet perfect sanctification in Christ frees from all condemnation by it.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
8:2 the power (literally the law) of the life-giving Spirit: This reference to power or law could refer to the law of Moses, which the Spirit can use to produce life. But because Paul does not portray the law as a life-giving entity, “law” here, as in 7:23, probably means principle or power. The Holy Spirit is a power that frees the believer from the power of sin that leads to death.