Commentary upon the Epistle to the Romans

In the 7. Chapter, he entereth into a most necessary disputation of the use of the law, which he had lightly by the way touched before: giving a reason why we are loosed from the law, because that by it self, it had no power, but unto condemnation. And least this should turn to the reproach of the law, he doth mightily clear the law from all reproaches. For he showeth that through our fault it came to pass, that the law which was given for life, was made the matter of death. Declaring also how sin is increased by it. From hence he passeth to the description of the fight between the spirit and the flesh, which fight the children of God feel in themselves, so long as they are shut within the prison of this mortal body: for they bear the relics of concupiscence, whereby they are continually drawn partly from the obedience of the law.

In the 7. Chapter, he entreth into a most necessary disputatiō of the vse of the lawe, whiche hee had lightly by the waye touched before: giuing a reason why wee are loosed from the law, because that by it self, it had no power, but vnto condemnation. And least this should turne to the reproch of the law, he doth mightily cleare the lawe from all reproches. For he sheweth that through our fault it came to passe, that the lawe which was giuen for life, was made the matter of death. Declaring also howe sinne is encreased by it. From hence hee passeth to the description of the fight between the spirite and the flesh, which fight the children of God feele in themselues, so long as they are shut within the prison of this mortall body: for they beare the reliques of concupiscence, wherby they are continually drawen partly from the obedience of the law.

The eight chapter is full of consolations, least the consciences of the faithful being feared with that disobedience which he reproved before, or rather imperfect obedience, should be overthrown. But least that the wicked should take occasion hereby to flatter themselves, first he showeth that this benefit doth not appertain unto any but unto the regenerate, in whom the spirit of God liveth & is of force. Therefore he unfoldeth two things: the first, that all those which are grafted into the Lord Christ by his spirit, are freed from the danger, & fear of condemnation, howsoever they are yet laden with sins. Secondly that they which yet remain in the flesh, without the spirit of sanctification, are not partakers of this so great a benefit: then afterward he declareth how great the certainty of our trust is, seeing the spirit of God by his testimony doth drive away all doubting and wavering. Moreover by an anticipation or preventing he showeth that the assurance of eternal life cannot be interrupted or disturbed through the present miseries, whereunto, for the time of this mortal life, we are subject: but rather by such exercises, our salvation is furthered, unto the excellency whereof, if all the present miseries be compared, they are nothing. This thing he confirmeth by the example of Christ: Who as he is the first begotten, obtaining the principality in the house of God, so he is the first pattern, whereunto we ought all of us to be conformed. And therefore as unto a thing most safe and sure, he addeth a notable triumph, wherein he triumpheth courageously against the power and engines of Satan.