In what sense is the word 'law' sometimes used besides a code or commandment?
Besides a code or commandment, 'law' can mean a fixed fact or principle of everyday living, like the Law of Gravity or Buoyancy. It describes an established, absolute regularity that operates continually, as when Scripture speaks of the law of the Spirit of life and the law of sin and death.
Les explains that when the word 'law' appears, the context must determine which law is meant. Sometimes it is not a code or commandment but simply a fact of everyday living, such as the Law of Gravity: what is up falls down. He also cites the Law of Buoyancy, noting that if something weighs less than the water it displaces, it floats. In verse 2, 'law' is used this same way: the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus frees believers from the established, absolute fact of sin and death operating every day.
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
More Questions
How should the word 'law' be interpreted in Romans 8:2?
When studying the word 'law' in Romans 8:2, you must decide from the context what kind of 'law' is meant, because sometimes the word refers to a simple fact of everyday life, like the law of gravity.
How do you know what Paul means by 'law' in Romans 8:2?
When Paul uses the word 'law', you must use the context to determine which law he means, because sometimes the word 'law' refers simply to a fact of everyday living rather than to a written legal code.