For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23, KJV).

ABSTRACT

The article delves into the profound marriage analogy from Romans 7 to depict humanity’s deep entanglement with sin, akin to a binding union that shapes desires and actions, while revealing how this bond exploits the law to incite concupiscence; it highlights God’s active love in offering freedom through Christ’s death, enabling a new covenant that bears spiritual fruit, and examines the broader societal ramifications of sin, urging the community toward righteousness and transformation in anticipation of redemption.

MARRIAGE TO SIN’S SHACKLES

Romans 7:1 introduces a powerful analogy: marriage. This comparison helps us grasp the depth of our bond with sin. The law has dominion over a man as long as he lives. (Romans 7:1). But what does this mean for us? Verses 2-3 explain that a woman is bound to her husband by law as long as he lives. But if the husband dies, she is free to marry another. This isn’t just a legal concept; it’s a spiritual truth. “The two are no longer twain, but one flesh.” (The Adventist Home, 103, 1952). “They are to blend as one in their aims and purposes.” (The Ministry of Healing, 360, 1905). “The husband and wife are to be one in heart and soul.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, 46, 1902). Just as a married couple becomes one, we are intimately connected to sin. This union is so deep that it shapes our desires and actions. Is this not a sobering thought, applicable across all faiths and walks of life? Our inherent inclination towards sin is like a constant companion, influencing our choices. This bond with sin, as illustrated in the marriage analogy, is not easily broken. Scripture further supports this as Paul declares, “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” (Romans 6:16, KJV). In another verse, the apostle explains our natural state: “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others” (Ephesians 2:2-3, KJV). Through inspired counsel we are told, “Sin not only shuts us away from God, but destroys in the human soul both the desire and the capacity for knowing Him” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 64, 1890). A prophetic voice once wrote, “The soul that is yielded to Christ becomes His own fortress, which He holds in a revolted world, and He intends that no authority shall be known in it but His own. A soul thus kept in possession by the heavenly agencies is impregnable to the assaults of Satan” (The Desire of Ages, p. 324, 1898). It requires a radical transformation, a spiritual death to the old self, but how exactly does sin exploit the law to awaken these forbidden desires within us?

SIN’S CRAFTY COMMANDMENT TRICK

The passage reveals how sin uses the law to stir up our desires. “But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence.” (Romans 7:8). The Greek word for “concupiscence” is epithymia, which means strong desire or lust. This highlights our inherent sin nature. Our natural inclination is towards sin, and the law exposes this tendency. Just like in an unhealthy marriage where one partner may exploit the other’s weaknesses, sin exploits the law to incite our sinful desires. I find this concept challenging yet enlightening. It reminds me that even with the best intentions, my human nature is prone to sin. “The happiness and prosperity of the married life depend upon the unity of the parties.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, 361, 1889). “God made from the man a woman, to be a companion and helpmeet for him, to be one with him, to cheer, encourage, and bless him, he in his turn to be her strong helper.” (The Adventist Home, 25, 1952). These quotes show that a marriage is supposed to be a partnership of love and support, unlike our relationship with sin. The parallel between a healthy marriage and our spiritual walk is striking. In a good marriage, both partners work together, supporting and uplifting each other. Similarly, our relationship with God should be one of mutual love, respect, and obedience, where we strive to overcome the allure of sin. Further biblical texts confirm this when Scripture states, “For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death” (Romans 7:5, KJV). Paul also questions the purpose: “Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator” (Galatians 3:19, KJV). The inspired pen reveals, “The law of God, spoken in awful grandeur from Sinai, is the utterance of condemnation to the sinner. It is the province of the law to condemn, but there is in it no power to pardon or to redeem” (Selected Messages Book 1, p. 236, 1958). In Patriarchs and Prophets we read, “No longer free to stir up rebellion in heaven, Satan’s enmity against God found a new field in plotting the ruin of the human race” (p. 78, 1890). Sin’s manipulation through the law underscores our need for divine intervention, but in what ways do these truths illuminate the boundless love of God toward the community?

GOD’S LIBERATING LOVE UNLEASHED

How do these concepts reflect God’s love? God’s love is evident in His desire to free us from the bondage of sin, just as a loving spouse would want their partner to be free from a harmful relationship. The Bible declares, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). This verse underscores the dire consequences of sin and the redemptive power of God’s love. Furthermore, Ellen G. White emphasizes, “God’s love is not a mere abstraction; it is a living, active principle, that flows out in blessing and help to all who will receive it.” (The Review and Herald, November 15, 1892). This illustrates that God’s love is not passive but an active force that seeks our well-being. Therefore, through the sacrifice of Jesus and the offer of eternal life, God demonstrates His profound love and His desire to restore us to a right relationship with Him, freeing us from the destructive grip of sin. Scripture further supports this manifestation as John writes, “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” (1 John 4:9, KJV). Paul affirms the timing of this love: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, KJV). Sr. White wrote, “God’s love for the fallen race is a peculiar manifestation of love,—a love born of mercy; for human beings are all undeserving. Mercy, the tenderness of pity, a forgiveness of sins—this is the love of God expressed toward the fallen” (The Review and Herald, June 25, 1895). A passage from Christ’s Object Lessons reminds us, “The love of God still yearns over the one who has chosen to separate from Him, and He sets in operation influences to bring him back to the Father’s house” (p. 202, 1900). God’s active pursuit offers hope beyond bondage, but how can we experience this freedom from sin’s dominion in our daily lives?

CHRIST’S VICTORIOUS NEW UNION

This intimate bond with sin is not a life sentence. Just as the death of a spouse frees the other partner to remarry, our spiritual death to sin through Christ allows us to enter a new covenant with God. Paul writes, “Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God” (Romans 7:4). When we accept Christ, we die to our old sinful nature and are united with Him. This new union allows us to bear fruit for God, reflecting His love and grace in our lives. The concept of being “married to another” signifies a profound commitment, a shift in allegiance from sin to Christ. This is where I find true hope. Knowing that I can be free from the chains of sin and enter into a loving, life-giving relationship with God brings me immense peace. This transition from being bound to sin to being united with Christ is the cornerstone of our spiritual journey. It signifies a complete change of heart and purpose, enabling us to live a life that glorifies God. Further biblical texts confirm this crucifixion as Paul states, “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin” (Romans 6:6, KJV). In Colossians, the apostle declares our hidden life: “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3, KJV). Through inspired counsel we are told, “There must be a power working from within, a new life from above, before men can be changed from sin to holiness. That power is Christ” (Steps to Christ, p. 18, 1892). Sr. White explains in another work, “When the soul surrenders itself to Christ, a new power takes possession of the new heart. A change is wrought which man can never accomplish for himself. It is a supernatural work, bringing a supernatural element into human nature” (The Desire of Ages, p. 172, 1898). Christ’s redemptive work empowers transformation, but what broader impacts does this understanding hold for our world today?

SIN’S SOCIETAL SCOURGE EXPOSED

This understanding of our relationship with sin has profound implications for our society today. We see the devastating effects of sin in broken relationships, addiction, violence, and injustice. The marriage analogy reminds us that sin is not just a personal issue; it affects our communities and the world around us. As a society, we must recognize the destructive nature of sin and strive for righteousness and justice, reflecting God’s love in our actions. “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34). We are called to be a beacon of hope, demonstrating the transformative power of God’s love in a world darkened by sin. The world is in desperate need of healing and restoration. The rampant greed, corruption, and moral decay we witness are symptoms of a deeper spiritual sickness, a society still largely in the grip of sin. By understanding our individual and collective struggle with sin, we can begin to address these issues at their root. Scripture further supports this separation as Isaiah proclaims, “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear” (Isaiah 59:2, KJV). The psalmist declares God’s stance: “The Lord trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth” (Psalm 11:5, KJV). A prophetic voice once wrote, “It is sin that is destroying souls. Sin and vice exist in Sabbathkeeping families. Moral pollution has done more than every other evil to cause the race to degenerate” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 351, 1870). In The Great Controversy we read, “From the very beginning of the great controversy in heaven it has been Satan’s purpose to overthrow the law of God” (p. 582, 1911). Recognizing sin’s widespread destruction calls us to action, but how can we fully embrace the hope of redemption in Christ?

REDEMPTION’S TRIUMPHANT CALL

The analogy of marriage in Romans 7 offers a powerful lens through which to understand our relationship with sin. It highlights the intimate and binding nature of this connection, revealing how sin uses the law to exploit our desires. However, it also points us to the hope of redemption through Christ, who offers us a new life free from the dominion of sin. As we reflect on these truths, let us strive to live lives that honor God, bearing fruit that reflects His love and grace. May we, as individuals and as the community, embrace this new life in Christ, allowing His love to transform us and empower us to be agents of change in a world desperately in need of His grace. Let these truths sink deep into our hearts, transforming our lives and empowering us to live in the freedom and joy of God’s love. I pray that this understanding of our relationship with sin will not only challenge us but also inspire us to draw closer to God, seeking His strength and guidance in our daily lives. Further biblical texts confirm this grace as Paul writes, “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace” (Ephesians 1:7, KJV). The apostle echoes, “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:14, KJV). Through inspired counsel we are told, “Christ gave Himself for the redemption of the race, that all who believe in Him may have everlasting life. Those who appreciate this great sacrifice receive from the Saviour that most precious gift—a clean heart” (The Review and Herald, September 24, 1908). Sr. White affirms in another passage, “By His life and His death, Christ has achieved even more than recovery from the ruin wrought through sin. It was Satan’s purpose to bring about an eternal separation between God and man; but in Christ we become more closely united to God than if we had never fallen” (The Desire of Ages, p. 25, 1898).

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I deepen my grasp of sin’s bondage and Christ’s freeing power in my daily devotions, letting these insights mold my choices and growth?

How might we present the marriage analogy of sin and redemption in ways that resonate with varied groups, from longtime members to newcomers, while upholding biblical truth?

What frequent misunderstandings about our union with sin and freedom in Christ exist around me, and how can I address them kindly with Scripture and Sr. White’s insights?

In what everyday steps can the community and I shine as examples of redemption, embodying Christ’s victory over sin amid a struggling world?