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NASB | Romans 7:7 ¶ What shall we say then? Is the Law sin? May it never be! On the contrary, I would not have come to know sin except through the Law; for I would not have known about coveting if the Law had not said, "YOU SHALL NOT COVET." |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Romans 7:7 ¶ What shall we say then? Is the Law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, if it had not been for the Law, I would not have recognized sin. For I would not have known [for example] about coveting [what belongs to another, and would have had no sense of guilt] if the Law had not [repeatedly] said, "YOU SHALL NOT COVET." [Ex 20:17; Deut 5:21] |
Bible Question: This doesn't seem to make sence. If we were created "perfect", this would suggest the ability to reject sin altogether. Thus, how can a *perfect* creature then willfully sin? My question is bigger than this: IF God KNEW we were going to fail, why make it so? This is what confuses me. |
Bible Answer: Dear calmira, This is not necessarily an easy matter to understand. We are dealing with the topic of the Original State of Man. Allow me to briefly share some thoughts from Charles Hodge's Systematic Theology: The Scriptural Doctrine. The Scriptural doctrine on this subject includes the following particulars. First, That man was originally created in a state of maturity and perfection. By this, however, is not meant that humanity in Adam before the fall, existed in the highest state of excellence of which it is susceptible. It is altogether probable that our nature, in virtue of its union with the divine nature in the person of Christ, and in virtue of the union of the redeemed with their exalted Redeemer, shall hereafter be elevated to a dignity and glory far greater than that in which Adam was created or to which he ever could have attained. By the maturity of man as at first created is meant that he was not created in a state of infancy. It is a favourite assumption of sceptics that man at first both as to soul and body, was imbecile and unfurnished; slowly forming for himself an articulate language, and having his moral powers gradually awakened. This, however, is inconsistent not only with the Scriptural account of his creation, but also with the part he was designed to act, and in fact did act. By the perfection of his original state is meant, that he was perfectly adapted to the end for which he was made and to the sphere in which he was designed to move. This perfection as to his body consisted not only in the integrity and due proportion of all its parts, but also in its perfect adaptation to the nature of the soul with which it was united. It is commonly said by theologians that the body was created immortal and impassible. With regard to its immortality, it is certain that if man had not sinned he would not have died. But whether the immortality which would then have been the destiny of the body, would have been the result of its original organization, or whether after its period of probation it would have undergone a change to adapt it to its everlasting condition, is a matter to be subsequently considered COVENANT OF WORKS. God having created man after his own image in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness, entered into a covenant of life with him, upon condition of perfect obedience, forbidding him to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil upon the pain of death. According to this statement, (1.) God entered into a covenant with Adam. (2.) The promise annexed to that covenant was life. (3.) The condition was perfect obedience. (4.) Its penalty was death. I hope this will shed some light on your question. I might recommend a good work on Systematic Theology like Hodge or Chafer if you'd like to learn more. The topic gets quite involved and goes beyond the space allowed on the Forum to post an adequate reply. If I can be of personal assistance, feel free to e mail me from my User info. Speaking the Truth in Love, BradK |