Living in light of eternity

  For sin will have no mastery over you, because you are not under law but under grace . (Ro 6:14) The book of Romans is deeply profound, and often hard to understand.   One of the more puzzling sections are chapters 6-8.   Paul seems to be saying two things at the same time.   On the one hand, in chapter 6, he tells us we have a new capacity to resist sin.   On the other hand, in chapter 7 he paints a vivid picture of enslavement to sin.     For we know that the law is spiritual—but I am unspiritual, sold into slavery to sin. For I don’t understand what I am doing. For I do not do what I want—instead, I do what I hate. (Ro 7:14-15) The casual reader may wonder, "Which is it?”   Let’s look at it carefully…  Leading up to chapter 6 he clearly shows that all have sinned, and we are saved through the redemption in Christ.   for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. But they are justified freely by his grace throug...