oldness of letter newness of spirit

oldness of letter

newness of spirit

Romans 7:1-6 Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? 2 For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. 3 So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man. 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. 5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. 6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.

(for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?
Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another
But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter

Introduction

Because of how interwoven these two contrasting topics are covered within same passages, both topics are dealt with at same time. It's virtually impossible in defining one without contrast of the other at same time.

The issue that confounds topics surrounding the law of Moses, more than anything else, is a misconception of Old Testament justification, in particular, Israel under the Mosaic Covenant. If one cannot come to grasps with the doctrinal concept of the circumcision being justified ‘by faith’, then frankly… certain aspects of Romans chapters 6, 7 & 8 can never completely make sense!

The following is reflected from the Home page of this website:

The Root of Most Doctrinal Blunders...

Under the Old Testament, a just man was one who was righteous before the LORD. Imputed righteousness was based on faithful obedience. God gave Israel two examples in Abraham and David what imputed righteousness would look like outside of faithful obedience. However, it wasn’t until Paul’s ministry and gospel that justification outside of faithful obedience was enacted.

The misconception of either Old Testament justification or timeline of justification without works is the root of most doctrinal blunders…

Origins of Oldness of Letter & Newness of Spirit

We will begin this contrast, between the oldness of letter and newness of spirit, by comparing the origin, source and implications of each. It all evolves around two unique and separate baptisms.

baptisms unto Moses & into Christ A

Baptism unto Moses

Exodus 14:21 And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.

And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea
the LORD caused...
the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided

1 Corinthians 10:1-2 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea
were all baptized unto Moses

Baptism into Christ

Romans 6:3-4 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ

Colossians 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

through the faith of the operation of God

1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

For by one Spirit
we all baptized into one body

Obviously, the letter written, by the finger of God on stone, originated with Moses. In context, the newness of spirit is result of one being 'in' Jesus Christ. As a people was baptized unto a man, so now a people are being baptized into a Man.

Parallels Between Moses and Christ

Parallel comparisons are here shown between Israel's baptism unto Moses and the believers's baptism into Jesus Christ:

1 Corinthians 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us :

wisdom (Cp. Dt 4:6)
and righteousness (Cp. Dt 6:24-25)
and sanctification (Cp. Lev 20:7-8)
and redemption (Cp. Ex 15:13)

Baptized Unto Moses and the Mosaic Covenant

Israel’s Wisdom

Deuteronomy 4:5-6 Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. 6 Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.

Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments
Keep therefore and do them;
for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations

Israel’s Righteousness

Deuteronomy 6:24-25 And the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day. 25 And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the LORD our God, as he hath commanded us.

the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God
And it shall be our righteousness
if we observe to do all these commandments before the LORD our God, as he hath commanded us

Israel’s Sanctification

Leviticus 20:6-8 And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people. 7 Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God. 8 And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I am the LORD which sanctify you.

Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God
And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them:
I am the LORD which sanctify you

Israel’s Redemption From Bondage

Exodus 15:11-13 Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? 12 Thou stretchedst out thy right hand, the earth swallowed them. 13 Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.

Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed:
thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation

Baptized Into Christ By the Spirit

God’s Wisdom without the Law

1 Corinthians 2:7-8 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 1 Corinthians 2:12-13 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory
Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory
Now we have received…, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God
…not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth,
but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual

God’s Righteousness without the Law

Romans 3:21-22 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

But now...
the righteousness of God without the law is manifested
which is by faith of Jesus Christ

God’s Sanctification without the law

2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth
to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ

The Believer's Redemption Through Christ Jesus

Romans 3:23-24 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus

Outside of both baptisms being dry, everything else in comparison is exactly opposite!

Israel was baptized (consecrated) unto the man (Moses), as the believer is baptized (consecrated) into the Son of God (Christ).
The wisdom of Israel was contained openly in the law, as the wisdom behind Christ was hidden in God.
Israel’s righteousness was in faithful obedience to the law, as the believer’s righteousness is by the faith of Christ.
Israel’s sanctification was based on personal obedience, as the believer’s sanctification is by the Spirit and belief of the truth.
Israel’s redemption was a physical exodus from bondage, as the believer’s redemption is an exodus from sin's bondage through Christ Jesus.

Again... exact opposites!

Paul is very explicit in showing distinction between the righteousness of God, under the Mosaic Covenant, with God’s replacement righteousness found in Christ. Imputed righteousness comes into play under both scenarios, but from very different perspectives!

With this as our backdrop, we will now deal with the subject matter of the oldness of Letter versus newness of spirit, relating to both ‘sin’ and ‘sinning’, in the context of Romans 6 & 7.

Sin and Sinning

Oldness of Letter Versus Newness of Spirit

The easiest way to address these topics is by laying out the scripture side by side to then give commentary addressing key points.

Romans 6:1-23

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. 10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. 15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. 19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. 20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. 21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. 22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 7:1-25

Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? 2 For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. 3 So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man. 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. 5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. 6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. 7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. 8 But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead. 9 For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. 10 And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. 11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. 12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. 13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. 14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

Keep in mind… that though addressing Gentiles, they were Gentiles who, with little doubt, understood Israel’s covenants and history.

Personal Commentary:

[6:3-4] Via a baptism ‘by the Spirit’, the believer is consecrated/identified/sanctified in Christ’s death, burial and resurrection (1Co 12:13; Gal 3:27).

[6:4-6] The believer’s identification ‘in Christ’ is not only a position, but a reflection of the purpose of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection… “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

[6:1-2, 7] By identity in Christ’s death, the believer is freed from the final consequence of ‘sin’, as declared by the law. The issue here is not ‘sinning’.

[7:1-4] The analogy of the woman being bound by the law to her husband, so long as he liveth, least she be an adulterer, points to two distinct principles now regarding how God deals with ‘imputed righteousness’, ‘sin’ and ‘sinning’. A just man is no longer determined by one’s imputed righteousness dictated via faithful obedience.

[7:5] Certain ‘sins’, under the Mosaic Covenant, led to not only an immediately physical death, but also separation from the congregation of Israel with severe consequence on day of atonement (Acts 13:39).

[6:8-10] After accomplishing God’s purpose in His earthly life (it is finished; Jn 19:30), He was resurrected to ‘liveth unto God’.

[6:11] There is to be a ‘reckoning’, in the life of a believer, to live unto God.

[6:12-13] The believer, yet having the sin nature, is not to yield to the lusts of the flesh reflecting unrighteousness, but to yield unto God as those that are alive from the dead, and our members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

[6:14] There was to be a dominate ‘fear’ factor (Dt 6), in serving the LORD under the Mosaic Covenant. Under grace, this is replaced by... "For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:" 2 Corinthians 5:14

[6:15- 18] because of transgressions, the law was given to Israel, to be lived out ‘by faith’ (Gal 3:19; Rom 9:31-32). Gentiles, who were excluded from the Mosaic Covenant, continued to live after the flesh… that ye were the servants of sin.

[6:19-23] The Gentile, who by nature yielded their members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity, now being in Christ, are encouraged to yield their members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

[7:6-14] The law served several functions. One was in providing Israel a means to obtain the righteousness of God to which He mandated. Another, is that it made ‘sin’ and ‘sinning’ personal, holding the individual responsible. In other words, sin was now imputed unto man.

Romans 5:12-14 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: 13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.

For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law

The LORD destroyed man via the flood because of man’s evil imagination, corruptness and violence (Gen 6:5-12). Under that scenario, outside of Noah and his family, all mankind perished together. However, in the giving of the law, it pinpointed and name sin(s), holding each man responsible. Thus, man could no longer find excuse… “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.”

for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet

Along with the law spelling out sins, it also provided the means to deal with… “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.” Hebrews 9:22

[7:15-25] With the introduction of the spirit of Christ into the mind of a believer, one then finds… a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

I’ve always contended, though one has to come to acknowledgement of his need for God, one truly doesn’t understand the inner battle until after salvation, with the introduction of the spirit of Christ into one’s spirit or mind... "But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin." Romans 7:23-25

Paul’s Final Argument and Deduction

We will conclude this chapter with another comparison between the dry baptisms of Israel unto Moses and the believers into Jesus Christ.

baptisms unto Moses & into Christ B

Our Fathers' Baptism unto Moses

1 Corinthians 10:1-11 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. 5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. 6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. 10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. 11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.Now these things were our examples, to the intent:

we should not lust after evil things...
Neither be ye idolaters...
Neither let us commit fornication...
Neither let us tempt Christ...
Neither murmur ye...

Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples
and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

Gentiles' Baptism into Jesus Christ

Romans 6:1-6 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid.
Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed
that henceforth we should not serve sin

Ephesians 5:1-8 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. 3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them. 8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

Be not ye therefore partakers with them
For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light

Many misunderstand Paul’s argument and deduction, to these converted non-covenanted Gentiles, in his epistle to the Ephesians.

Paul isn’t suggesting to these Gentile believers that if engaged, in similar or same behavior as the unbeliever, that they will experience the wrath of God and/or lose their position ‘in Christ’. What he is firmly stating is... that they were not to be identified with those in whom will experience the wrath of God, categorized as the whoremongers, unclean, covetous and the idolater, having no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

These Gentiles have come a long way from the day in which the Law was established with Israel, that can be said, stranded themselves from God. After having been given up and then over to a reprobate mind, the process here starts with the renewing of the spirit of one's mind!

Ephesians 4:17-24 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But ye have not so learned Christ; 21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind
Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart
Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness
But ye have not so learned Christ
If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus
That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts
And be renewed in the spirit of your mind
And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness

During the Sermon on the Mount, it was Jesus’ reminder to the multitudes… "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16

Israel dropped the ball! Now, these converted non-covenanted Gentiles, who were sometimes in darkness, are now light in the Lord and are to walk as children of light.

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