Romans 8:2 (KJV): “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.”

ABSTRACT

This article explores Paul’s analogy in Romans 7 of sin as the first husband, whose death frees believers to unite with Christ. It highlights Christ’s sacrifice as the cornerstone of true freedom, the struggles of renewed life, and the necessity of daily surrender. God’s love transforms hearts, sustains vigilance, and empowers communities to reflect His righteousness in both personal and collective renewal.

FREEDOM OF CHRIST

In the Christian walk, the journey to freedom begins with a profound spiritual analogy found in Romans 7. Paul describes us as a wife, bound by law to our first husband—sin—until death severs the tie, enabling us to enter a rightful union with Christ. This metaphorical “death of the first husband” illustrates the necessity of leaving behind the sinful nature to experience true spiritual freedom. Romans 6:18 declares, “Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” John 8:36 adds, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” Galatians 5:1 exhorts, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Ellen G. White expounds that true freedom comes through the cross, stating, “There can be no self-exaltation, no boastful claim to freedom from sin, on the part of those who walk in the shadow of Calvary’s cross” (The Great Controversy, p. 471, 1888). A prophetic voice further assures, “The freedom of the gospel is freedom from sin” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 372, 1890). How does Christ’s sacrifice form the cornerstone of this profound liberation?

THE POWER OF CHRIST’S SACRIFICE

Christ’s sacrifice is the cornerstone of this transformation. His death on the cross symbolizes the death of our sinful nature. As 2 Corinthians 5:21 affirms, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin.” Ellen G. White expounds, “He who knew no sin was made sin for us” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 3, p. 372, 1875). In taking on humanity’s sin, Christ bore its penalty, making it possible for us to break free from sin’s dominion. This act of love demonstrates God’s willingness to bridge the chasm created by sin. Isaiah 53:5 reveals, “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” Hebrews 9:26 confirms, “But now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.” Through inspired counsel, we learn, “Christ was the Son of God; He humbled Himself from the highest position in the heavenly courts to the lowest place of humiliation on earth” (The Desire of Ages, p. 758, 1898). In Patriarchs and Prophets, a passage reminds us, “The plan of salvation had its origin in the pure, stainless love of God the Father” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 63, 1890). We stand at the cross, witnessing Christ’s immense love and the opportunity to live as new creations. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). What struggles arise even after this liberating death to sin?

STRUGGLES OF THE RENEWED LIFE

Though the first husband—sin—is put to death, remnants of the old life often linger. Paul’s analogy acknowledges the complexity of breaking free from ingrained habits. As 1 John 2:1 reminds, “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” These words offer reassurance that, even in our struggles, we are not abandoned. Sr. White underscores this point: “By looking constantly to Jesus with the eye of faith, we shall be strengthened” (The Desire of Ages, p. 391, 1898). Romans 7:24-25 cries out, “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Philippians 3:12-13 urges, “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.” The inspired pen warns, “The struggle for conquest over self, for holiness and heaven, is a lifelong struggle” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 130, 1905). Through prophetic insight, we are told, “Without continual effort and constant activity, there can be no advancement in the divine life” (Steps to Christ, p. 91, 1892). As we grow in faith, we gradually shed the traits of our old life, learning to trust and follow Christ as our spiritual spouse. How does daily surrender sustain victory in these ongoing battles?

DAILY SURRENDER: A PATH TO VICTORY

Maintaining a relationship with Christ requires daily surrender. Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 15:31, “I die daily,” emphasize the importance of continually yielding to God’s will. Galatians 2:20 further illustrates this: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.” This surrender invites Christ’s transformative power into our lives, making us vessels of His righteousness. Sr. White captures this process eloquently: “The word destroys the natural, earthly nature, and imparts a new life in Christ Jesus” (The Desire of Ages, p. 391, 1898). Luke 9:23 calls, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Romans 12:1 beseeches, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” A thematic assurance declares, “We must deny self all along the way, die to self daily, and have Jesus alone appear” (Early Writings, p. 82, 1882). In role-based guidance, the messenger notes, “Day by day and year by year we shall conquer self, and grow into a noble heroism” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 491, 1905). Only through consistent communion with Christ can we reflect His character and bear the fruits of righteousness. In what ways does God’s love shine through this redemptive process?

GOD’S LOVE IN TRANSFORMATION

How does this reflect God’s love? God’s love is seen in His willingness to redeem us despite our fallen state. As Romans 5:8 declares, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Christ’s sacrifice was an act of selfless love, offering freedom from sin and a new life in Him. Sr. White explains, “The plan of redemption reveals God’s love in its fullness” (Steps to Christ, p. 10, 1892). Ephesians 2:4-5 proclaims, “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ.” 1 John 4:9 testifies, “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.” Through inspired counsel, we read, “God’s wonderful purpose of grace, the mystery of redeeming love, is the theme into which ‘angels desire to look’” (The Desire of Ages, p. 759, 1898). A passage from The Adventist Home reminds us, “The great plan of redemption results in fully bringing back the world into God’s favor” (The Adventist Home, p. 534, 1952). This sacrificial love invites us into a transformative relationship, assuring us that we are cherished and redeemed. How can the community embody this love in practice?

COMMUNAL AND PERSONAL APPLICATIONS

As a community, we are called to encourage one another in this journey. Hebrews 10:24 reminds us to “provoke unto love and to good works.” Together, we can support each other in resisting sin and embracing Christ’s righteousness. As individuals, we are challenged to reflect on our spiritual condition. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 encourages, “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” Ephesians 4:16 describes, “From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” In literary reflection, Testimonies for the Church notes, “The love that Jesus manifested for the souls of men in the sacrifice which He made for their redemption, will actuate all His followers” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 455, 1889). Through thematic guidance, we learn, “The church is God’s appointed agency for the salvation of men” (Christian Service, p. 9, 1925). Do we daily surrender to Christ? Are we open to His transformation? What vigilance protects this sacred union from disruption?

A CALL TO WATCHFULNESS

In this sacred relationship with Christ, we must remain vigilant. 1 Peter 5:8 warns, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” Satan’s attacks are relentless, especially in these last days, as he seeks to disrupt our union with Christ. Yet, by clinging to God’s promises and remaining steadfast in prayer, we find strength to persevere. Ephesians 6:11 instructs, “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” James 4:7 commands, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” A prophetic voice declares, “Satan is still active and vigilant. With all possible deception he will manifest his power” (The Great Controversy, p. 398, 1888). In role-based counsel, the messenger urges, “While we must constantly guard against the devices of Satan, we should pray in faith continually” (The Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 4, p. 350, 1884). How does embracing this renewal lead to lives transformed by divine love?

RENEWED HEARTS, RENEWED LIVES

The death of the first husband, sin, is essential for freedom in Christ. Through His sacrifice, Christ extends an invitation to a new life, one marked by love, transformation, and victory. Psalm 51:10 echoes the heart’s cry of every one of us: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” May we, as individuals and as a faith community, embrace this journey of renewal, reflecting God’s love in our lives and in the world. Ezekiel 36:26 promises, “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.” Through inspired insight, we are reminded, “All that was lost by sin is restored” (The Adventist Home, p. 534, 1952). A literary close affirms, “A restored creation, a redeemed race, that having conquered sin could never fall” (The Desire of Ages, p. 762, 1898).

For more articles, please go to http://www.faithfundamentals.blog or our podcast at: https://rss.com/podcasts/the-lamb.

If you have a prayer request, please leave it in the comments below. Prayer meetings are held on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. To join, enter your email address in the comments section.

Search

Search

SELF-REFLECTION

How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into the analogy of freedom from sin, allowing it to shape my character and priorities?

How can we adapt the message of Christ’s transformative sacrifice to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from seasoned community members to new seekers or those from different faith traditions, without compromising theological accuracy?

What are the most common misconceptions about lingering struggles with sin in the renewed life within our community, and how can I gently but effectively correct them using Scripture and the writings of Sr. White?

In what practical ways can our local congregations and individual members become more vibrant beacons of truth and hope, living out the reality of daily surrender and vigilant watchfulness in anticipation of Christ’s victory?