“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:23-24, KJV).

ABSTRACT

This article delves into the concepts of sin, law, and redemption, highlighting our inability to cleanse ourselves and the law’s role as a mirror revealing imperfections that drive us toward Christ. It examines Romans 7 through analogies like marriage to illustrate being bound to the law and freed by Christ’s sacrifice, the internal battle against our fallen nature, how these reflect God’s active love in providing a path to freedom, the necessity of dying to self with community support, and ultimately leading to a transformed life of purpose through grace.

LAW’S MIRROR REVEALS NEED!

Our inability to cleanse ourselves from sin forms the core issue in redemption. Christ demonstrates that no amount of personal effort can purify us, pointing instead to a divine solution. Clearly, all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory, as Romans 3:23 declares: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” In the same vein, Isaiah 64:6 states: “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” In The Desire of Ages we read that the law reveals to man his sins, but it provides no remedy, while it promises life to the obedient, it declares that death is the portion of the transgressor, and the gospel of Christ alone can free him from the condemnation or the defilement of sin (The Desire of Ages, p. 308, 1898). A prophetic voice once wrote that the law of God is the mirror to show man the defects in his character (The Signs of the Times, March 21, 1878). Therefore, this reflection on the law’s purpose is fundamental to understanding our need for Christ. But how does this desperate state lead to liberation through a new covenant?

BOUND TO LAW, FREED FOR CHRIST!

The analogy of marriage illustrates our relationship with the law and transition to grace. Christ frees us from the law’s condemnation through spiritual death, enabling union with Him. Revealing this clearly, Galatians 2:19 affirms: “For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.” Likewise, Romans 6:2 questions: “We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” Through inspired counsel we are told that we are dead to the law, but alive unto God, dead to sin, but alive to righteousness (Manuscript Releases, vol. 8, p. 33, 1891). A passage from Patriarchs and Prophets reminds us that man was to be saved by grace, not by works, the flesh profiteth nothing, it is the spirit that quickeneth (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 372, 1890). Knowing that we are no longer condemned by the law but freed by Christ’s sacrifice brings immense peace and joy, marking a significant shift in our spiritual journey that requires a conscious decision. Yet what challenges arise in this path of freedom?

FLESH VS SPIRIT WAR!

The internal battle against our fallen nature presents the biggest challenge we face. Christ exposes how we often do what we hate, reminding us of constant conflict within. Scripture reveals that the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh, as Galatians 5:17 states: “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” Similarly, Romans 8:7 explains: “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” In Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing we read that the Christian life is a battle and a march, but the victory to be gained is not won by human power, the field of the conflict is the human heart, the battle which we have to fight—the greatest battle that was ever fought by man—is the surrender of self to the will of God, the yielding of the heart to the sovereignty of love (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 141, 1896). The inspired pen notes that the lower passions have their seat in the body and work through it, the words flesh or fleshly or carnal lusts embrace the lower, corrupt nature, the flesh of itself cannot act contrary to the will of God, we are commanded to crucify the flesh, with the affections and lusts (The Desire of Ages, p. 172, 1898). Overcoming our sinful desires requires constant effort, yet this struggle, though difficult, is essential for our spiritual growth and sanctification. So how does this internal conflict reflect God’s overarching love?

DIVINE LOVE REDEEMS ALL!

God’s love manifests through providing a path to redemption despite our incapacity. Christ intervenes actively, offering escape from sin’s bondage into relationship with Him. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, as John 3:16 proclaims: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” In addition, Romans 5:8 declares: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” A prophetic voice once wrote that it was to manifest this love that He came to our world to suffer and to die, man had become so degraded by sin that it was impossible for him, in himself, to come into harmony with God, whose nature is purity and goodness, but Christ, after having redeemed man from the condemnation of the law, could impart divine power to unite with human effort (The Desire of Ages, p. 25, 1898). In Patriarchs and Prophets we read that the plan of redemption was laid in sacrifice, a sacrifice so broad and deep and high that it is immeasurable, Christ gave all for us, and those who receive Christ will be ready to sacrifice all for the sake of their Redeemer (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 63, 1890). The very concepts of law, sin, and redemption are interwoven with God’s love, demonstrating His desire to reconcile with humanity and offer us eternal life. But how do we actively participate in this redeeming process?

DIE TO SELF, BEAR BURDENS!

Dying to self demands an active choice in our salvation journey. Christ calls us to deny selfish desires and support one another as a community. Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ, as Philippians 1:6 assures: “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Furthermore, Hebrews 10:24 urges: “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.” Through inspired counsel we are told that in the trust given to the first disciples, believers in every age have shared, every one who accepts Christ as a personal Saviour is under the same obligation to carry forward the work of redemption (Acts of the Apostles, p. 560, 1911). A passage from The Desire of Ages reminds us that the yoke that binds to service is the law of God, the great law of love revealed in Eden, proclaimed upon Sinai, and in the new covenant written in the heart, is that which binds the human worker to the will of God (The Desire of Ages, p. 330, 1898). This communal aspect is crucial for our collective spiritual well-being. Ultimately, how does this journey culminate in freedom and purpose?

GRACE TRANSFORMS LIVES!

The journey in Romans 7 guides us toward freedom through relying on God’s grace for transformation. Christ empowers us to overcome, filling lives with gratitude and purpose. Now the Lord is that Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty, as 2 Corinthians 3:17 states: “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” Moreover, Ephesians 2:8-9 affirms: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” The inspired pen notes that the grace of Christ is freely to justify the sinner without merit or claim on his part, justification is a full, complete pardon of sin, the moment a sinner accepts Christ by faith, that moment he is pardoned, the righteousness of Christ is imputed to him, and he is no more to doubt God’s forgiving grace (The Desire of Ages, p. 172, 1898). In Patriarchs and Prophets we read that 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 (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 373, 1890). This transformation is a testament to the power of the gospel in action.

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I delve deeper into these truths about sin, law, and redemption in my devotional life, allowing them to shape my character and priorities?

How can we adapt these themes of internal struggle and grace transformation to be understandable for diverse audiences, from seasoned members to new seekers, without compromising accuracy?

What common misconceptions about the law’s role and God’s love exist in my community, and how can I correct them gently using Scripture and Sr. White’s writings?

In what practical ways can our congregations become vibrant beacons of hope, embodying freedom from sin and active support for one another amid life’s battles?