As we have progressed through the book of Romans, we have found that, as Christians, we have been justified by faith by the grace of God and through our obedience to the gospel of Christ.  As a result, we have been set free from sin.  There is something else that we are set free from that is very important.  In Christ, we are set free from Law.

Romans 7:4-6 (ESV)
⁴  Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God. ⁵  For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death. ⁶  But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.

In teaching that we have been released from the law, Paul is introducing a very important part of the gospel.  Paul is referring to the law of Moses specifically, made clear by verse 7, but what he says about law throughout his writings would apply to any law other than the gospel of Christ.  What is special about the gospel?  It is the only law that can save.  That is why Paul refers to it as “the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:2).  The gospel saves because it includes the blood of Christ that cleanses us when we sin.

1 John 1:7 (ESV)
⁷  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

The gospel also includes a perfect High Priest who ever lives to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25).  Under the gospel of Christ, whenever we sin, we have an advocate with the Father to help us (1 John 2:1).  The result of this is that we do not have to live perfect lives since the gospel gives us the means to be forgiven when we sin.  The lack of this ability by all other laws makes them insufficient for salvation.  Listen to what Paul said to the people of Antioch Pisidia about the law of Moses.

Acts 13:38-39 (ESV)
³⁸  Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, ³⁹  and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.

Paul was referring to everything associated with sin.  The law of Moses could not take away sin, nor save anyone from the consequences of sin, including the wrath of God.  Only the gospel could do that.

Why is this teaching of Paul so important?  It puts into perspective the importance of being free from the law.  Remember, in chapter 6 Paul emphasized the blessing of being set free from sin.  That blessing, however, is of little value to one who is still under a law that cannot take sins away.  Why?  Because we all sin from time to time (1 John 1:8-10).  So, a person under the law of Moses could have all his sins pardoned one day, but shortly thereafter, he would sin and be right back under the same condemnation as he was before he was pardoned.  This is why it was imperative to be released from the old law and placed under the law of Christ, a law that can actually save you.

If you have obeyed the gospel of Christ, thank God.  Now you are not only under a law that has a high moral standard, but one that also gives you the ability to be forgiven when you fall short.  Now we can not only be saved, but we can also maintain that salvation by faithful living.  Now, we can live with hope.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things