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Book of Romans - Chapter 7 - Verse 4

7:4
Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.

Meaning

In this verse, the apostle Paul is explaining to the Roman believers that through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, they have been freed from the constraints of the Mosaic Law. The Law, which was given to Moses by God to guide and regulate the lives of the Israelites, could not save them from sin. However, through Jesus' death and resurrection, believers have died to the Law and are now able to be united with Christ. This union with Christ is described as a marriage, symbolizing an intimate and close relationship between believers and the risen Christ. This relationship is meant to produce good fruit in the lives of believers, as they are now empowered by the Holy Spirit to live according to God's will. By being united with Christ, believers are no longer bound by the Law but are now able to bear fruit in service to God.

Theological Overview

One theological interpretation of this verse focuses on the concept of believers being dead to the law through the body of Christ. This suggests that through Christ's sacrifice on the cross, believers are no longer bound by the strict requirements of the Mosaic law. Instead, they are now free to enter into a new spiritual relationship with Christ, symbolized by the metaphor of being married to him. This spiritual union with Christ, who is risen from the dead, enables believers to bear fruit for God, indicating a life characterized by righteousness and good works. The imagery of marriage emphasizes the intimate and covenantal nature of the believer's relationship with Christ, highlighting the depth of love and commitment that exists between them. Overall, this verse underscores the transformative power of Christ's death and resurrection in freeing believers from the bondage of the law and enabling them to live a life that honors and glorifies God.

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