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Romans 8:7–8
Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be (Rom. 8:7).
Being carnally minded leads to death, Paul told us in Romans 8:6, whereas being spiritually minded leads to life. However, he also added that the believer enjoys “peace.” Not so the unbeliever, as today’s passage makes clear.
Those whose minds are set on the things of the flesh are at enmity with God, Paul teaches. They are opposed to Him and want nothing to do with Him. They manifest this hatred of Him by their willing refusal to submit to His law. As Dr. James M. Boice writes, “They do not submit to God’s law because they are hostile to Him.” Indeed, they do not want to follow God’s ways; they desire only to do what their sinful natures demand, which is the polar opposite of what God requires. But the truth is that they could not submit to Him even if they wanted to, for they have inherited the inclination to sin from Adam and are unable to be subject to God. They can only sin, and even their “best” deeds are as filthy rags in God’s eyes, for their motives are filled with iniquity. Therefore, “those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” Nothing they can do will earn His favor. They are God’s enemies and are committed to resisting Him to the death.
With this ugly picture in mind, we can now understand more clearly what Paul means when he speaks of those who are spiritually minded having “peace” with God. Believers are those whose warfare with God has ended. In its place there is now friendship, even love. These people willingly subject themselves to God’s law, knowing it to be an expression of His character and loving guidance given for His children. They have been made able to do so because of the Spirit’s work of joining them to Christ. With the Spirit assisting them, they are able at last to truly please God, for now they have the ability to choose to do the things God desires and to choose them from the only proper motive—love for Him.
“The Christian,” Boice writes, “is someone who has been born again by the work of the Holy Spirit and who now, as a result of that internal transformation, has his mind set on what the Spirit of God desires.” Therefore, the Christian has been freed from haunting feelings of guilt and has peace in his soul, knowing he will not face God’s wrath—blessings no confirmed unbeliever ever can know.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
Christians can get so caught up in their struggle for holiness that they forget the joy of knowing that their enmity with God is ended. Regularly remind yourself that you no longer face condemnation, even though you still fail to observe the law at every point. Thank God that He has brought you to a state of peace with Himself.
For Further Study
- Psalm 85:8
- Micah 5:4–5
- John 16:33
- Colossians 1:20