Romans 8:2

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

For {G1063} the law {G3551} of the Spirit {G4151} of life {G2222} in {G1722} Christ {G5547} Jesus {G2424} hath made {G1659} me {G3165} free {G1659} from {G575} the law {G3551} of sin {G266} and {G2532} death {G2288}.

Why? Because the Torah of the Spirit, which produces this life in union with Messiah Yeshua, has set me free from the “Torah” of sin and death.

For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set you free from the law of sin and death.

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and of death.

Commentary

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."

Context

This verse follows directly from the intense personal struggle described in Romans chapter 7, where the Apostle Paul laments his inability to consistently do what is right, finding himself enslaved by sin despite his inward desire to follow God's law. Romans 8 then introduces the glorious resolution to this conflict: life in the Spirit. Verse 2 provides the foundational statement for this new reality, explaining how believers are liberated from the bondage previously described.

Key Themes

  • Freedom in Christ: The central message is liberation. Believers are no longer under the dominion of sin and its consequence, death.
  • The Law of the Spirit of Life: This refers to the powerful principle or operation of the Holy Spirit, who imparts spiritual life and empowers believers to live righteously. It is contrasted with the old principle.
  • The Law of Sin and Death: This describes the principle that governed humanity apart from Christ, where sin held sway, inevitably leading to spiritual and physical death (as explored in Romans 7:23).
  • In Christ Jesus: This phrase highlights that this freedom and new life are only accessible through union with Jesus Christ. Our identity and power source are found in Him.

Linguistic Insights

The word "law" (Greek: nomos) is used here in two distinct senses. It doesn't refer to the Mosaic Law in both instances. The "law of the Spirit of life" speaks of a new operating principle or power source—the Holy Spirit's work enabling life. The "law of sin and death" refers to the principle or power of sin that leads to death, which held dominion before Christ. Paul contrasts these two powerful forces, showing that the former has overcome the latter for those united with Christ Jesus.

Reflection and Application

This verse offers immense hope and assurance. It teaches that the Christian life is not merely a perpetual struggle against sin using willpower, but a life empowered by the Holy Spirit. The same Spirit who raised Christ from the dead now indwells believers, providing the power to overcome the pull of sin and experience genuine spiritual life. This freedom is not license to sin, but the ability to live according to God's will, no longer enslaved. It is a call to walk in the Spirit, trusting in His power rather than our own efforts.

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Cross-References

  • Romans 6:14 (77 votes)

    For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

  • 2 Corinthians 3:17 (56 votes)

    Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord [is], there [is] liberty.

  • Romans 6:18 (44 votes)

    Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

  • 2 Corinthians 3:6 (36 votes)

    ¶ Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:45 (34 votes)

    And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam [was made] a quickening spirit.

  • Romans 8:10 (34 votes)

    ¶ And if Christ [be] in you, the body [is] dead because of sin; but the Spirit [is] life because of righteousness.

  • Romans 8:11 (34 votes)

    But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.