Romans 7:13

"Therefore the law indeed is holy, and the commandment holy, righteous, and good."

Key Reflection

Romans 7:13 emphasizes that the law itself is inherently good and righteous, despite its inability to purify the heart of sinful humanity. This verse contrasts the purity and holiness of the law with the fallen state of human nature, highlighting a tension often present in the biblical narrative between the goodness of God's commands and the corruption within his people. This dynamic underscores Paul’s argument that true righteousness comes not from the law itself but through faith in Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law's demands on humanity's behalf.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 13. Was then that which is good, etc. This is another objection, which the apostle proceeds to answer. The objection is this: "Can it be possible that that which is admitted to be good and pure, should be changed into evil? Can that which tends to life, be made death to a man?" In answer to this, the apostle repeats that the fault was not in the law, but was in himself, and in his sinful propensities. Made death. Ro 7:8,10. God forbid. See Barnes "Ro 3:4". But sin. This is a personification of sin as in Ro 7:8. That it might appear sin. That it might develope its true nature, and no longer be dormant in the mind.

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