Reflection on Rom 7:5-6

If we reject Jesus as our Saviour and as the One who delivers us from the power of sin, sinful passions are at work in our members which are aroused rather than overcome by the law. Thus, the law is ineffective in the struggle against passions. It truly calls evil evil and a lie a lie, it also warns of punishment, but it gives no strength. The passions, which are produced by sin in us, bear fruit to death.

Next, the Scripture says that if we have died to what we were held by, we have been delivered through this death from the law. It does not mean physical death but our inner union with Christ’s death on the cross by being crucified with Him and by putting into practice the essence of baptism, which is our immersion in Christ’s death. In this inner death, i.e. in this union with Christ crucified who dying conquered death, is the fulfilment of the demands of the law. We are unable to fulfil them by ourselves. Union with Christ’s death makes us able to serve God, i.e. commit ourselves wholly to God, in the newness of life. The Spirit of God, who participated in the resurrection of Christ, then works in us, so that this new life in us may grow.

Download: Reflection on Rom 7:5-6