Romans 7:1-3

Passage

Or do you not know, brothers, for while knowing that I speak about the Law that the Law is lord over a man upon whatever time he lives?  For a married woman has been bound by the law to her husband who lives.  But if the man should die, she has been released of the man from the Law.  Consequently, therefore, while the man lives she will be called an adulteress if she should marry another man.  But if the man should die, she is free from the Law and she is not to be an adulteress after marrying another man.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul really makes a very astute point here.  The Law is only effective while we are alive.  In other words, in eternal life there will be no Law.  When you think about this, it really makes sense.  We need the Law because we are sinful human beings.  The Law reveals our sin.  The Law points us to Christ.  But in eternal life, we will be remade without sin.  Therefore, there will be no need for the Law.  We will naturally be obedient to God’s ways because our sinful nature has been crucified with Christ.

What do you think life will be like when we no longer have need for the Law?  How can this thought give you cause to celebrate?

Second Thought:

To make his point, Paul speaks about marriage.  Paul reminds the readers that spouses are married only for as long as each other continues to live.  Once one spouse dies, the marriage is no longer binding according to the Law.  A spouse is free to stay single or remarry at their discretion.  The Law is binding only during life.

Have you thought about this point before?  How can release from the Law actually cause us to anticipate the benefits of death?

Third Thought:

Paul makes a point about marriage in these verses, too.  If you marry and then subsequently remarry prior to the death of your spouse, it is adultery.  That makes it sin.  Of course, it is sin that can be forgiven.  But it is sin that needs to be properly repented and atoned.

Do you think we live in a culture that takes marriage seriously?  Do we take divorce seriously?  Do you think Jesus and Paul take divorce seriously?

Passage for Tomorrow: Romans 7:4-6