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Romans 8v3 God's victory over sin through His Son

Romans 8:3 (KJV): "For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:"

This is an important verse because it stands between two sections. Chapter 7 was considering the environment of the Law and the failure of all to keep it. Chapter 8 considers the victory that can be received for those in the environment of the "Spirit of life".
For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh
The Law only revealed sin, it did not have power to create a holy life Romans 7. When the Law came in contact with the flesh, human nature, it even awakened sin Romans 7:7-9.
God sending his own Son
The work of salvation was from God the Father. It was necessary for Jesus to be the Son of God Luke 1:35, John 1:14, to achieve the holy character of Jesus, and the fulness of grace and truth.
in the likeness of sinful flesh
Or in the likeness of sin's flesh. Jesus came in the same human nature as all mankind Hebrews 2:14. In all others this flesh, this human nature had Sin as its Master or Lord. He was tempted in all points as we are tempted, but he never sinned.
and for sin
Some would render this "for a sin offering" because of the LXX usage. It could simply mean, because of sin, on behalf of sin. He came to represent sinners to God and to rescue Adam's descendants from sin and all its effects.
condemned sin in the flesh
He overcame the lusts of the flesh within himself, rendering them of no effect. He overcame sin at its very source. He crucified the flesh with its affections and lusts as a pattern for all to follow Galatians 5:24. In Christ was achieved what the Law could not accomplish, the overcoming of sin and its effects.

The word condemned echoes Romans 8:1 (KJV): "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus", showing that this victory is centred in Christ, and this victory is by means of the condemnation of sin in a member of Adam's race. We partake of the atonement when we are in Christ Jesus. We are in Christ Jesus by a belief of the gospel and baptism Acts 8:5,12 and when we "walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit".

Galatians 2:20 speaks of this new active crucified/resurrected life motivated by the love of Christ:
Galatians 2:20 (KJV): "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."

Kind regards
Trevor

Hello Ravenloche,

Brother, it's great to see you back - WE MISSED YOU!

Back on topic:

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: Romans 5:1

He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Romans 8:32

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. Romans 10:4

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. John 8:12.

Our liberty, peace, and salvation is IN THE LIGHT!

Love In Christ,
Tom

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Theology => General Theology => Topic started by: TrevorL on July 12, 2004, 06:01:31 AM