John Calvin Commentary Romans 7:14

"For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin." — Romans 7:14 (ASV)

For we know that the law, etc. He now begins more closely to compare the law with what man is, so that it may be more clearly understood from where the evil of death proceeds. He then sets before us an example in a regenerate man, in whom the remnants of the flesh are wholly contrary to the law of the Lord, while the spirit would gladly obey it.

But first, as we have said, he makes only a comparison between nature and the law. Since in human things there is no greater discord than between spirit and flesh—the law being spiritual and man carnal—what agreement can there be between the natural man and the law? Even the same as between darkness and light.

When he calls the law spiritual, he does not only mean, as some interpret the passage, that it requires the inward affections of the heart. He also means that, by way of contrast, the term has a meaning contrary to the word carnal. These interpreters give this explanation: “The law is spiritual, that is, it binds not only the feet and hands as to external works, but regards the feelings of the heart, and requires the real fear of God.”

But here a contrast is evidently presented between the flesh and the spirit. Furthermore, it is sufficiently clear from the context, and indeed has already been shown, that under the term flesh is included whatever humans bring from birth. Flesh is what humans are called, by virtue of their birth and as long as they retain their natural character; for being corrupt, they neither perceive nor desire anything but what is coarse and earthly.

Spirit, on the contrary, is renewed nature, which God forms anew after His own image. This way of speaking is adopted for this reason: because the newness that is worked in us is the gift of the Spirit.

The perfection, then, of the law’s teaching is opposed here to the corrupt nature of humanity; therefore, the meaning is as follows, “The law requires a celestial and an angelic righteousness, in which no spot is to appear, and in whose clarity nothing is to be lacking; but I am a carnal man, who can do nothing but oppose it.” But the interpretation of Origen, which indeed has been approved by many in the past, is not worthy of being refuted; he says that Paul calls the law spiritual because Scripture is not to be understood literally. What has this to do with the present subject?

Sold under sin. By this phrase, he shows what flesh is in itself. For humans by nature are no less the slaves of sin than those slaves, bought with money, whom their masters mistreat as they please, just as they do their oxen and their asses.

We are so entirely controlled by the power of sin that the whole mind, the whole heart, and all our actions are under its influence. I always except compulsion, for we sin spontaneously, since it would not be sin if it were not voluntary. We are so surrendered to sin that we can willingly do nothing but sin, for the corruption that rules within us thus drives us onward.

Therefore, this comparison does not imply, as some say, a forced service, but a voluntary obedience, which an innate bondage inclines us to offer.