Meaning of Romans 7:12

Paul's assertion in Romans 7:12 that the law is "holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good" serves as a crucial counterpoint to the preceding verses where he describes the law as the very instrument that reveals sin and provokes death. This declaration is not a contradiction, but rather an affirmation of the divine origin and inherent perfection of God's moral and ceremonial statutes. The problem, as Paul has been expounding, is not with the law itself, but with the fallen human condition that is incapable of perfectly fulfilling its demands and is instead ensnared by its pronouncements of guilt. Therefore, the law, in its true nature, is a pure reflection of God's character and will, functioning as a standard of righteousness that exposes humanity's inability to achieve salvation through legalistic adherence.

Context and Background

This verse is situated within Paul's extended argument in Romans chapters 6 and 7 concerning the relationship between believers, sin, and the law. Having established in chapter 6 that believers are dead to sin through Christ's death and resurrection, Paul then turns to the law, posing the question in 7:7, "What then shall we say? Is the law sin?" He immediately answers with a resounding "By no means!" He then proceeds to explain how the law, far from being sinful, actually reveals sin by its prohibition: "I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, 'You shall not covet.'" This sets the stage for Romans 7:12, where Paul explicitly defends the intrinsic goodness of the law.

Key Themes and Messages

The central message of Romans 7:12 is the inherent goodness and holiness of God's law. Paul emphasizes that the law is not a flawed or oppressive decree from God, but rather a perfect expression of His righteous character and will. The adjectives "holy," "righteous," and "good" all point to this divine quality. The law's purpose is to guide humanity toward a life that aligns with God's perfect standard, and in this sense, it is a benevolent provision. However, Paul's preceding argument clarifies that this goodness is perceived through the lens of human sinfulness, where the law's perfect standard highlights our imperfection and thus our guilt.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The spiritual significance lies in understanding that salvation is not achieved by keeping the law, but by grace through faith in Christ. The law, being good and holy, demands perfect obedience, something humanity, in its fallen state, cannot provide. Therefore, the law serves a pedagogical purpose: to drive us to Christ, recognizing our inability to save ourselves. For believers, the law continues to serve as a guide for righteous living, not as a means of earning favor with God, but as a response to the grace we have already received. It reveals God's will and helps us to discern what is pleasing to Him, fostering a deeper conformity to Christ's image.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse is foundational to understanding the progression from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant. While the Old Testament law was a divine revelation of God's will and a means of distinguishing His people, its inability to grant righteousness due to human sinfulness pointed towards the need for a more perfect solution. Jesus, in His life and atoning sacrifice, perfectly fulfilled the demands of the law. The New Covenant, established through Christ, provides the Holy Spirit to empower believers to live according to God's will, not by external legalistic adherence, but by internal transformation. This verse thus bridges the understanding of the law's purpose in the Old Testament and its ultimate fulfillment and reinterpretation in the New Testament.

Analogies

One analogy to understand the law's nature is that of a perfect blueprint for a house. The blueprint itself is excellent, precise, and designed to create a sound and beautiful structure. However, if the builders are unskilled or the materials are faulty, the house will not be built correctly, not because the blueprint is bad, but because of the deficiencies of the builders and materials. Similarly, the law is a perfect blueprint for human life, but humanity's sinful nature prevents perfect execution. Another analogy is a doctor's diagnostic tool. A thermometer is a good and accurate instrument for measuring temperature. It reveals a fever, which is undesirable. The thermometer itself is not the cause of the fever; it merely diagnoses it. Likewise, the law diagnoses sin.

Relation to Other Verses

Romans 7:12 resonates with several other key biblical passages:

• Psalm 19:7: "The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple." This psalm echoes Paul's sentiment, highlighting the inherent perfection and beneficial nature of God's law.
• Galatians 3:24: "So then the law was our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith." This verse directly supports Paul's argument that the law's purpose was to function as a tutor, guiding people to recognize their need for Christ.
• Matthew 5:17: Jesus states, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." This affirms Christ's perfect obedience to the law and His role in satisfying its demands.
• 1 Timothy 1:8: "We know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully." This passage, also from Paul, reiterates the goodness of the law but qualifies its proper use, aligning with Paul's emphasis in Romans that the law is not intended as a means of justification for the sinner.