“What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.”
Romans 7:7
God’s law was given to reveal and to expose what is wrong; not to condemn us but to lead us to repentance and life. The law itself is not sin—it is holy and just. The law is like a mirror. Without it, we wouldn’t see the stains on our souls. It is through the law that we come to recognise what sin really is.
In our opening Scripture, Paul used the example of covetousness—a sin of the heart that could easily remain hidden. Without the law, he would not have realised that even inward desires can violate God’s holiness.
Likewise, the laws enforced by our governments are there to help maintain a moral life and avoid penalties that can jeopardise our lives. The danger comes when we either ignore or refuse to believe what it shows us. The law reveals, but it is Jesus Christ who redeems. The law uncovers, but it is grace that cleanses. Every time we read the Bible, we should see it as a loving tool that helps us correct our ways and align our hearts with God’s perfect will.
Charge: Do not despise correction but instead welcome the truth that points us to the Saviour.
Further Study: Psalm 19:7, 119:11; John 1:17; Romans 3:20, 4:15, 5:20, 7:12-13; Galatians 3:24; 1 Timothy 1:8-9.
Happy new month in advance.
