John Calvin Commentary Romans 8:4

"that the ordinance of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." — Romans 8:4 (ASV)

That the justification of the law might be fulfilled, etc. Those who understand that the renewed, by the Spirit of Christ, fulfill the law introduce an interpretation completely foreign to Paul’s meaning; for the faithful, while they live in this world, never reach such a level of progress that the justification of the law becomes full or complete in them.

This, then, must be applied to forgiveness; for when the obedience of Christ is accepted for us, the law is satisfied, so that we are counted just. For the perfection that the law demands was exhibited in our flesh, and for this reason—that its rigor no longer has the power to condemn us.

But since Christ communicates his righteousness only to those whom he joins to himself by the bond of his Spirit, the work of renewal is again mentioned, so that Christ is not thought to be the minister of sin. For many are inclined to apply whatever is taught concerning the paternal kindness of God in such a way as to encourage the licentiousness of the flesh; and some malignantly slander this doctrine, as though it extinguished the desire to live uprightly.