Piper responds to Patheos authors’ disagreement over Romans 7

Piper responds to Patheos authors’ disagreement over Romans 7 October 7, 2014

John Piper has responded to what he calls our “gracious demurring” on the man of Romans 7 during the conference here and here, and my previous post on the subject.

I love that he took the time to explain his position further, and that we are all able to discuss these matters as brothers and friends.  He is totally right when he says:

I doubt that when it comes to a positive description of what the Christian life should be, and what it normally is, the three of us would differ significantly. In other words, our difference in exegesis on this passage probably does not signal a significant difference [in] what to call for, hope for, and expect from genuine Christians.

via Clarifying Romans 7:14–25 As “Christian Experience” | Desiring God.

I thought in this post I would just list some areas where I am fairly sure we all agree on this matter, and importantly its implications:

  • There is a very real difference between the experience of the non-Christian and mature Christian on the subject of their relationship with sin.
  • Christians are meant to experience increasing freedom and triumph, nevertheless they still do have an ongoing battle with sin where they sometimes feel close to defeat.
  • There is a “now but not yet” aspect to all this which is seen in our relationship with sin, just as there is in relation to our bodies, which do experience something of the power of God now, but are also still buffeted by sickness and weakness as we await Jesus’ return.

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