Is Romans 7 written by Paul of his past or his present struggle to do what's right? I've heard arguments within the church from both sides of the table that seem compelling. Can you elaborate on the context of this passage? -- Vince (Cleveland)
Romans 7 depicts the frustration of a losing struggle, while Romans 8 portrays the victorious life through Jesus Christ. I believe we all live, at times, in Romans 7 -- just as all Christians enjoy Romans 8. It's not either/or, it's both/and.
To be more specific, in Romans 7, Paul describes the mindset of persons trying to be justified by the law. They lack the power to overcome. Romans 8, on the other hand, shows how it should be, and what is possible only through the Spirit of Christ. The same struggle is described in Galatians 5.
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