Paul explained what happened to him when he became a Christian. He used dramatic language. It was as if he died because of the *Jewish law. Paul could never obey all the laws. He could never behave perfectly. He had *sinned. Nobody can ever satisfy the law’s holy standards. Therefore, the *Jewish law showed that Paul was guilty. God’s punishment for *sin is death (Romans 3:23). So Paul deserved to die. However, Jesus is perfect. He satisfies the law’s holy standards. He never *sinned. So God does not punish us if we trust Jesus. God punished Jesus instead. Jesus died because of our *sins. Paul united himself with Jesus Christ. It was as if Paul had died too with Christ.

When someone is dead, the law cannot have any power over him. When a *Jew unites himself with Christ, the *Jewish law no longer has power over that person (Romans 7:4-6). The *Jewish law cannot give God’s new *spiritual life to anyone. Only Jesus Christ gives God’s life to people. Paul did not have to die because of his *sins. God forgave him because of Jesus. So Paul’s life seemed like a new life. Now, Christ lived inside Paul by means of the Holy Spirit. Paul was very grateful for all that God had done for him. So Paul spent all his life serving God.

Continues after advertising
Continues after advertising