Not of a written law. Jeremiah's prophecy told about a new covenant (Hebrews 8:10). It would be a time when God would make us capable of serving, as Paul says here. Paul sees this fulfilled in the Holy Spirit as a gift (the indwelling). So he contrasts the written law (the old covenant) with the new covenant of the Spirit. Compare Romans 2:27-29; ch 7 & 8. See also note on the three uses of law, Romans 3:31. Death. life. The written law brings death because it is weak through our human nature. The Spirit gives life, something that law cannot do (Galatians 3:21). Christians have this life now (John 6:63; John 7:37-39), because they receive the Spirit at baptism (Colossians 2:12-13; Acts 5:32).

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Old Testament