Freed from the Old, Alive in the New

Insights drawn from the Grace and Truth Study Bible

"So, my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God."
— Romans 7:4

Paul’s message in Romans 7 offers a powerful picture of the transformation that occurs when we move from life under the law to life in Christ. The law, though holy and good, could not save us. Instead, it revealed the sin that enslaved us. But God, in His mercy, has freed us from that bondage through Jesus.

From Old Bonds to New Life

Paul uses the illustration of marriage to explain this freedom. Just as a woman is bound to her husband while he lives but is free to marry another after his death, we too were once bound to the law. But through the death of Christ, that binding tie has been severed. We are no longer married to the old life governed by sin and law—we are now united with Christ, free to bear fruit for God.

Imagine carrying a heavy, rusted chain everywhere you go. It drags behind you, slowing every step, reminding you of burdens you cannot escape. But then someone unlocks it and replaces it with a light, woven cord—strong, yet gentle—connecting you securely to a steady guide. That is what Christ has done. The heavy chain of sin and law has been broken, and we are now bound to Jesus with cords of love and grace.

The Struggle and the Rescue

Paul honestly reflects on his own struggle under the law. He wanted to do what was good, but sin used the law to stir up disobedience within him. His own efforts led only to frustration and failure. But God didn’t leave him in that cycle of defeat. In Christ, Paul—and we—are rescued from this conflict.

This struggle isn’t foreign to us. We know what it feels like to desire good but find ourselves stumbling. Yet, like Paul, we can proclaim with gratitude: “Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:25).

A Prayer of Praise

Father,
Thank You for breaking the heavy chains that once bound us to sin and death. Thank You for uniting us with Jesus, freeing us to live in Your grace. We praise You for delivering us from our old ways and giving us new life in Christ. Let our lives reflect this freedom as we walk in step with You. May we bear fruit that brings You glory, trusting fully in the work You’ve already done. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Final Thought

Through Christ, the old bond to sin and law is broken. We are free—not to live however we please, but to live fully in the love and grace of Jesus. Let us walk in this freedom, bearing fruit that reflects our new life in Him.

"If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."
— John 8:36