Wherefore, my brethren, ye also were made dead to the law through the body of Christ; that ye should be joined to another, even to him who was raised from the dead, that we might bring forth fruit unto God. "Dead to the law" -don't make the mistake of thinking that Paul is saying, 'becoming. Christian made you free from obeying law'. The Christian is under law (1 Corinthians 9:21; James 1:25) But the Jew or Gentile that becomes. Christian is no longer under. system that demands 'flawless obedience' to find favor with God. God expects obedience (James 1:22), and yet provision is made for imperfection (1 John 1:8; 1 John 2:1; Romans 4:7; James 5:16)

"through the body of Christ" -'by becoming identified with the body of Christ' (NEB); 'by union with the body of Christ' (Con). One identifies himself with the 'body of Christ' in baptism (Romans 6:3). Since forgiveness is only in Christ (Ephesians 1:3; Ephesians 1:7), everyone outside of Christ lives under. system that demands flawlessness, i.e.. system of pure law and no forgiveness for violations of it (i.e. sin). This demonstrates the foolishness of thinking that. can find favor with God through my own efforts. In addition, those that claim that the only sin which the non-Christian commits is the 'sin of not believing in Christ', have missed one of the main points in the Book of Romans (as in other parts of the Bible as well).

"that we might bring forth fruit unto God" -'And why were we made dead to the Law? That they might live in lawlessness? That they might bring forth even more fruit (Romans 6:21) of which they should be ashamed?'

They were released through their obedience to Christ in baptism from. system that demanded flawlessness, that they might serve God more effectively! Trying to serve God under. system of flawless law-keeping is discouraging and impossible (like trying to work with someone constantly looking over your shoulder, ready to pounce on your every mistake). Serving God 'in Christ' is encouraging, it's motivating, sins can be repented of and forgiven, mistakes can be corrected, everyday. can know that. am right with God and that. am accomplishing something. (Ephesians 2:10; Titus 3:1; Titus 3:14; 2 Timothy 3:16)

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Old Testament