Verse 2
Paul used "law" here figuratively for "principle" (Romans 8:23). He was not referring to the Mosaic Law (cf. Romans 7:21). These laws refer to the certainty and regularity that characterize the operations of the Spirit and sin. The Spirit’s work that comes to us because of faith in Jesus Christ leads to fullness of life, and sin leads to death. Ultimate ends are again in view.
"Both the Spirit and sin and death are called the law because of the constancy of their influence and action." [Note: Mickelsen, p. 1205.]
"The subject here is no longer Christ’s work for us, but the Spirit’s work within us. Without the Spirit within as a law of life, there would be nothing but condemnation: for the new creature has no power within himself apart from the blessed Spirit,-as against a life of perpetual bondage to the flesh,-’the end of which things is death’ (6.21)." [Note: Newell, p. 288.]
So far in Romans Paul only referred to the Holy Spirit once (Romans 5:5), but in this chapter he mentions Him 17 times.
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