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Romans 8:3–4
For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh . . . (Rom. 8:3a).
In yesterday’s study, we saw that those who are delivered from the eternal condemnation their sins deserve are those whom the Holy Spirit has freed from the power of sin and has united to Christ. The roles of the second and third persons of the Trinity in salvation are thus displayed for us. Today, Paul takes us even further back to show us the role of the Father.
Paul has affirmed that the law of God is “holy and just and good” (Rom. 7:12). However, he has shown clearly that the law was and is unable to effect salvation, not for any failing of the law, but simply because the sinfulness of human beings renders them all unable to keep the law. In fact, as we have seen, the law actually stirs up rebelliousness in the human heart. But, again as we have seen, God did not give the law with the idea that it would save; He intended it to reveal sin. Then God Himself, specifically the Father, the first person of the Trinity, set His plan of salvation in motion by sending Jesus into the world, where He “condemned sin in the flesh.” By stepping into humanity, Christ became one of us. Like us, He lived under the law and was tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin (Heb. 4:15). He therefore became a spotless Lamb, a fit sacrifice for the sins of His people. That is exactly what Paul is getting at when he says “on account of sin,” for this phrase should be translated “to be a sin offering.” Jesus, therefore, “condemned sin” that His people might not be condemned. This is the doctrine of justification, the imputation of our sin to Christ and of His righteousness to us.
But more than justification is in view here. In verse 4, Paul teaches that a further goal of Christ’s mission at the Father’s behest was “that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us.” In other words, justification leads to sanctification. Those who are justified through being joined to Christ by the Spirit also have the Spirit to help them obey the law and thereby achieve actual righteousness. Dr. James M. Boice notes that “fulfilling” the law involves following a path, as the phrase “walk according to . . . the Spirit” indicates. The path is marked by God’s commands. If we cross the boundaries, we are off the path. But if, by the Spirit’s aid, we remain on the path, we move in the direction of Christlikeness.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
The fact that believers face no condemnation does not mean they can live as they please. Growth in holiness is mandatory for Christians; it is an inevitable result of justification. Are you, like Paul, fighting to grow more like Christ, to conform to God’s law? If not, you would do well to question your assumption that you are justified.
For Further Study
- 2 Corinthians 7:1
- Galatians 5:24
- Hebrews 12:14
- 1 Peter 2:11
- 1 John 5:4