Spiritual Emancipation
T. G. Horton. Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. The word "law" may denote commandment, or the customary habit or state of any creature. In the one sense we talk of the laws of God, or the laws of kings; in the other sense we talk of the laws of nature, of matter, or of mind. It seems much better to understand the verse according to the second or subjective use of the word "law," and then its reference is seen to be to the believer's sanctification. I. MAN'S NATURAL STATE OF MORAL, THRALDOM. 1. There is a principle of depravity in every human heart (Romans 3:23; Galatians 3:22). The whole work of Christ, as tasting death for every man, is based upon the assumption that all the world is guilty before God; for if not, there must be some for whom Christ has not died, inasmuch as they needed no atonement. Yet where are these to be found? This principle of evil may be described according to its various modes of manifestation. It is — (1) The love of the creature, in opposition to the love of the Creator. (2) Self-will, or self-assertion, in opposition to the will of God and the requirements of His law. (3) Sensualism, in contrast with that which is intellectual and spiritual. (4) Pride and self-preference. (5) Selfishness and self-seeking. (6) A tendency to falsehood and guile. 2. This principle operates with the regularity of a natural law, determining all our volitions and affections. Man sins with the same certainty that an apple, loosened from the tree, drops to the ground. It is natural for the sun to rise and set, for the moon to wax and wane, for the tides to ebb and flow, for the seasons to revolve, and for the generations of men to be born and die: to do otherwise, in any of these instances, would imply a miracle or a violence done to the uniformity of nature. So likewise it is natural and inevitable that men, unrenewed by grace, should sin. 3. This law of sin is likewise a law of death. God by express enactment has appointed death as the wages of sin. "The soul that sinneth, it shall die." But in addition to that external decree, there is an internal tendency in sin to fructify in death (James 1:15), and to destroy the life of the soul. II. THE STATE OF MORAL FREEDOM ACHIEVED FOR US BY THE GOSPEL. 1. There is a principle of life in them that believe. They live, by having their minds enlightened with the knowledge of God, by feeling the burden of their sins removed, and by being able to look up to God with filial confidence and trust, by having the conscience cleansed from dead works to serve the living God, by being inspired with new emotions, animated by new aims. 2. This life is imparted and sustained by the Holy Ghost. It is not self-generated, but it is given from above. He who receives it is born of the Spirit. 3. This principle of life operates with the regularity of a law. The Spirit takes up His residence in the breast of the converted man, and goes on working till every thought is brought into subjection to Christ, and the work of the believer's sanctification is complete. 4. This Spirit of life is realised only by our being in Christ. (T. G. Horton.) Parallel Verses KJV: For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. WEB: For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and of death.