The Law of Sin and Death ~ Romans 8:2
The law of sin and death stands in contrast to the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus. While the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus is available because we have accepted Him as our Lord and Saviour, the legal and vital work of salvation occurs as He translates us from the dominion, power, authority, and rule of the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of His dear Son — the Kingdom of Light.
Colossians 1:13 — “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the Kingdom of His beloved Son.”
Jesus came that we might have life, and have it more abundantly, by dwelling in His Kingdom of Light. This Kingdom of Light is a spiritual Kingdom. Jesus said, “My Kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). Therefore, while we live in this world, we must remain aware that the law of sin and death still operates in and through the Kingdom of darkness.
“For as by one man’s disobedience (Adam in the Garden of Eden) the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience (Jesus) the many will be made righteous. Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 5:19–21).
This law of sin and death will remain in effect until Jesus returns. It operates under Satan, who is called the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4). Through the flesh, the law of sin and death finds its power.
This is why it is essential for every believer to put off the deeds of the flesh by the Spirit and walk in newness of life. Every believer reigns in life through the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. The legal side — being made right with God — also carries a vital side: living right. This is accomplished through the empowering work of the Holy Spirit.
Paul wrote in Romans 7 about the war taking place within our members. In our inner man, we delight to do what is right. We desire to obey God, yet our flesh still holds earthly appetites. The flesh wages war against the law of our mind, and we must bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. The Holy Spirit directs us to the right word at the right moment, empowering us to “put off” the deeds of the flesh.
Paul asks, in Romans 6:16–19:
“Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness…..so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification.”
These two laws are actively at work. One leads to life, while the other promises death through sin.
What a wonderful truth that God, in His wisdom, has set before us both life and death:
“I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19).
The question then becomes: Which one will we choose?