Romans 8:4

[GHansen]

Romans 8:4 is often erroneously cited by SDA in an effort to make Christianity more about obedience to the Decalogue than believing in Christ. Tragically, Jesus is viewed as the handmaiden of the Decalogue, as if he died to vindicate the Decalogue instead of save humanity. Romans 8:4 says "in order that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us." Right off the bat, there is a problem with the text because it is not translated properly in the KJV. Better translations such as the ESV say "That the requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us." The requirement of the law is explained in the immediate context. Verse 7 explains the problem and solution. People who live according to the flesh can not submit to the law of God. We can not please God because we don't submit to his law. The law requires submission. In the context of Christian faith, submission to the law means faith in Christ. The purpose of the law, as understood by Paul, is to testify about Christ. That's why he says in Romans 3:31 that faith establishes or vindicates the law. This passage is referring to believer's faith in Christ, not keeping the Decalogue. Romans 3:31 and Romans 8:4 are traditionally used in an erroneous way to bind people to the Decalogue, a practice which is contrary to the Pauline message of salvation by faith in Christ.