John Calvin Commentary Romans 7:19

"For the good which I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I practise." — Romans 7:19 (ASV)

The same view is to be taken of the expression that follows—that he did not the good which he desired, but, on the contrary, the evil which he desired not: for the faithful, however rightly they may be influenced, are nevertheless so conscious of their own infirmity, that they can consider no work that comes from them as blameless. For as Paul does not here discuss some of the faults of the godly, but delineates in general the whole course of their life, we conclude that their best works are always stained with some blots of sin, so that no reward can be hoped for, unless God pardons them.

He finally repeats the sentiment—that, as far as he was endowed with celestial light, he was a true witness and assenter to the righteousness of the law. It therefore follows that if the pure integrity of our nature had remained, the law would not have brought death on us, and that it is not opposed to the person who is endowed with a sound and right mind and abhors sin. But to restore health is the work of our heavenly Physician.