Monday, May 11, 2009

Cutting the Romans 7 knot

Romans 7 is something of an exegetical Gordian knot. Any number of exegetes argue, by very sound methodology, that Paul is describing his pre-Christian experience under the Law of God of failing to effectively put sin to death. This interpretation is frequently rejected by Christians because Paul's description of his struggle with sin resonates so well with their own experience. The knot: how can an existential description of an unbeliever be applied to a believer?

In a recent post on his blog (http://www.leithart.com/2009/05/11/doing-what-i-do-not-wish/), Peter Leithart suggests Romans 7 may resonate so well with Christians because their Churches have succumbed to a practical legalism, giving priority to Law over the Gospel.

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