Does the law empower sin? Does the Law Empower Sin? A Comprehensive Topical Bible Entry 1. Context and Definition of the Law The word “law” in Scripture can refer broadly to God’s moral directives, the commands given through Moses, and the entirety of divine instruction. In the Old Testament, these were summarized in the commands delivered at Mount Sinai (Exodus 20). In the New Testament, especially in the writings of Paul, references to “the law” often point to this same Mosaic code alongside general principles of God’s righteous standards. The question of whether “the law empowers sin” emerges partly from passages such as 1 Corinthians 15:56, which reads: “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law”. At first sight, it may sound as though the law creates or fuels sinful behavior. But a closer look at Scripture clarifies how the law functions, exposes sin, and reveals humanity’s need for salvation. 2. Biblical Passages Addressing Law and Sin 1. Romans 7:7–8: “What then shall we say? Is the law sin? Certainly not! Indeed, I would not have been aware of sin if not for the law. For I would not have been aware of coveting if the law had not said, ‘You shall not covet.’ But sin, seizing its opportunity through the commandment, produced in me every kind of covetous desire...” This passage demonstrates that the law itself is not evil; it highlights our tendencies and reveals sin we may otherwise miss. 2. 1 Corinthians 15:56: “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.” Paul’s intent here is to show that death’s power arises because sin violates God’s holiness, and it is the law that frames that standard. It is not that the law itself is the source of wickedness; rather, by defining righteousness, it highlights wrongdoing. 3. Galatians 3:19: “Why then was the law given? It was added because of transgressions until the arrival of the Seed to whom the promise referred...” This explains that one of the law’s functions was to make transgressions evident and prepare the way for the promised Messiah. 3. Does the Law Create Sin or Reveal It? The law does not create sin, for transgression existed even prior to Mosaic commands (as evidenced by the Fall in Genesis 3). Rather, it provides clarity on what is righteous and what is not. • Analogy of a Speed Limit Sign: If a road never had a posted speed limit, drivers might not fully realize they are speeding. The moment a limit is posted, drivers who exceed it become aware of their violation. Similarly, the law highlights transgressions, making sin recognizable. • Romans 3:20: “Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin.” The law does not itself create guilt; it reveals the guilt already present within a person’s heart. 4. The Law as a Catalyst for Showing Our Need for Grace While Scripture states that “the law came in so that trespass would increase” (Romans 5:20), this increase is about heightened awareness. Once people see where they fall short, they can recognize the gravity of sin. Yet the law, by its own nature, does not offer a solution for our sinfulness. It exposes our brokenness and points us toward the necessity of divine intervention. Galatians 3:24 states, “So the law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” 5. Understanding 1 Corinthians 15:56 in Context “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law” does not suggest that the law morally corrupts us. Instead, it proclaims that sin and death hold sway because the law upholds a perfect standard that humanity fails to keep. Since all people violate God’s commands in thought, word, or deed (Romans 3:23), the condemnation brought by the law stands until it is removed through faith in Christ’s atoning work. • Romans 8:3–4: “For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin. He thus condemned sin in the flesh, so that the righteous standard of the law might be fulfilled in us...” Through Christ, believers are liberated from sin’s penalty. The law’s righteous requirements are satisfied by Him, and the condemnation that once “empowered” sin to rule is broken. 6. The Relationship Between the Law and God’s Holiness God’s holiness underscores every command. The law, reflecting God’s holy character, is described in Romans 7:12 as “holy, righteous, and good.” If something is pure and good, it cannot itself produce evil. Instead, its purity magnifies sin by contrast. This principle is evident in Old Testament worship regulations, where anything defiling or unclean is shown to be incompatible with God’s holiness (Leviticus 20:7–8). The increased clarity about what is acceptable to a holy God underscores humanity’s sinfulness, pointing again to the promised redemption. 7. The Fulfillment of the Law in Christ Jesus declared in Matthew 5:17: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them.” By fulfilling the law perfectly, Jesus provides a way to address the condemning aspect of the law. Believers, therefore, do not look to the law to achieve merit; they rest in the righteousness of Christ. By the Spirit’s transforming power, they grow in obedience, but no longer labor under condemnation (Romans 8:1–2). 8. Conclusion In summary, the law does not empower sin by creating it. Rather, the law reveals and magnifies what sin truly is before a holy God. Through this, the law demonstrates humanity’s need for grace and points to the redemptive work of Christ, who fulfilled the law’s righteous requirements on behalf of all who believe. • Without the law, sin remains hidden. • With the law, people become dramatically aware of their failings. • In Christ, God’s solution to these failings is fully realized, as He forgives sins and grants the power to live righteously. Therefore, while sin may use the law to highlight and condemn our wrongdoing, the ultimate purpose is to drive us to the Savior who alone can conquer sin and transform our lives. |
    |