Romans 7:12

"for sin, finding occasion through the commandment, deceived me, and through it killed me."

Key Reflection

Romans 7:12 highlights how the law itself can paradoxically lead to sin rather than prevent it. According to Paul, "sin, finding occasion through the commandment, deceived me, and through it killed me." This means that when the law revealed certain commands, it also brought to light our tendency to sin, as it exposed our weaknesses and failures in obeying those very commands. In this way, what was meant to guide and protect actually highlighted the destructive power of sin within us, leading to deeper transgressions.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 12. Wherefore. So that. The conclusion to which we come is, that the law is not to be blamed, though these are its effects under existing circumstances. The source of all this is not the law, but the corrupt nature of man. The law is good; and yet the position of the apostle is true, that it is not adapted to purify the heart of fallen man. Its tendency is to excite increased guilt, conflict, alarm, and despair. This verse contains an answer to the question in Ro 7:7, "Is the law sin?" Is holy. Is not sin. Comp. Ro 7:7. It is pure in its nature. And the commandment. The word commandment is here synonymous with the law. It properly means that which is enjoined. Holy. Pure. Just.

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