romans 7-8

Running Head : ROMANS 7 AND 8

Romans 7 and 8

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Introduction

The book of Romans is actually a letter that was written by Apostle Paul to the church in Rome . The budding church was awash with several challenges among them the influence of the Jewish religion and the law Paul endeavors to address the issues that arose as a result of that influence . These include the law , sin , grace , faith , righteousness and the workings of the spirit . These are the dominant themes in this

book The seventh and eighth chapters that are of interest in this are a continuation of an earlier discussion based on the above themes Chapter seven begins as Paul explains the transition from the law to grace using the illustration of marriage . In chapter eight he moves on to explain the difference that grace makes in the Christian 's life and how the spirit helps Christians to be able to obey God 's commands . This gives a summary of the seventh and eight chapters of the book of Romans and later examines the importance of the same in the lives of Christians today

Chapter Seven

This chapter is a continuation of Paul 's exposition on the Christians relationship to the Mosaic Law as well as the inadequacy of that law in regard to helping the Christian lives a holy life . This chapter begins with Paul explaining the transition from law to grace that comes through faith in Christ Jesus . This illustration also gives important insights on the purpose of Christ 's life on earth , his death and resurrection Among the Christians in Rome were Jewish converts who from their background were accustomed to following the Law of Moses as a way of achieving righteousness

Paul speaks on how after Christ , believers were no longer bound to following the law lest anybody be led astray by earlier beliefs and backgrounds . He explains how persons wishing to follow the law were bound to that law as long as they lived just like a woman is bound to her husband . If a woman marries another man while her first husband is still alive , then she commits adultery . However if the husband dies then she is no longer bound to the same . Similarly all were bound to the law as long as both lived . The law cannot pass away and so all were bound to the law as long as they lived . However if they died then they would not be bound to obey the law . This is what happened when one gave their lives to Christ . In Romans 6 :2-5 , Romans 7 :4 , one can die to the law by dying to sin through participating in Jesus ' death . Additionally one can also rise to a new life (not bound to the law ) after such a death in the same way as Jesus Christ rose from the dead . Therefore one is released from the law and is newly bound to Christ who is a...