Why does Paul keep saying 'old Adam' in Romans 7?
Paul repeats “old Adam” to emphasize the sin nature and show what it truly is: rebellious, ignoring the law. The law itself is good and perfect, but it convicts and kills the old Adam, causing sin to become exceedingly sinful, so no flesh is justified by law.
Les teaches that Paul is making a double emphasis. Old Adam is equated with sin, and Paul repeats it so the old Adam can be seen for what he really is: bent in rebellion, bent to do evil, bent to ignore the law. The law in itself is good and perfect, but it works death in the man; it kills him and convicts him. In Romans 7:13, sin—old Adam—by the commandment becomes exceedingly sinful. Les connects this to Romans 3:20: by the deeds of the law no flesh is justified, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
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.
More Questions
What does Paul mean when he repeatedly says 'old Adam' in Romans 7?
Paul's repetition of 'old Adam' is a double emphasis equating old Adam with sin.