John Calvin Commentary Romans 8:7

"because the mind of the flesh is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can it be:" — Romans 8:7 (ASV)

Because the minding of the flesh, etc. He adds a proof of what he had stated—that nothing proceeds from the efforts of our flesh but death, because it contends as an enemy against the will of God. Now the will of God is the rule of righteousness; it therefore follows that whatever is unjust is contrary to it, and what is unjust at the same time brings death. But while God is adverse and offended, anyone expects life in vain, for His wrath must necessarily be followed by death, which is the punishment for His wrath. But let us observe here that the will of man is in all things opposed to the divine will; for, just as what is crooked differs from what is straight, so great must be the difference between us and God.

For to the law of God, etc. This is an explanation of the previous sentence, and it shows how all the thoughts (meditationes) of the flesh wage war against the will of God, for His will cannot be attacked except where He has revealed it. In the law, God shows what pleases Him; therefore, those who wish to truly find out how far they agree with God must test all their purposes and practices by this rule.

For though nothing is done in this world except by the secret governing providence of God, yet to say, under this pretext, that nothing is done except what He approves (nihil nisi eo approbante fieri), is intolerable blasphemy. On this subject, some fanatics are wrangling even today.

The law has set the difference between right and wrong plainly and distinctly before our eyes; to seek it in a deep labyrinth—what foolishness it is!

The Lord has indeed, as I have said, His hidden counsel, by which He regulates all things as He pleases; but as it is incomprehensible to us, let us recognize that we are to refrain from an overly curious investigation of it. In the meantime, let this remain as a fixed principle: that nothing pleases Him except righteousness, and also, that no right estimate can be made of our works except by the law, in which He has faithfully testified what He approves and disapproves.

Nor can be. Behold the power of free will, which the Sophists cannot exalt highly enough! Undoubtedly, Paul affirms here, in explicit words, what they openly detest: that it is impossible for us to make our faculties subject to the law. They boast that the heart can turn to either side, provided it is aided by the influence of the Spirit, and that a free choice of good or evil is in our power when the Spirit only brings help, claiming it is our role to choose or refuse.

They also imagine some good impulses by which we, of our own accord, become prepared. Paul, on the contrary, declares that the heart is full of hardness and unconquerable defiance, so that it is never naturally moved to undertake the yoke of God. Nor does he speak of this or that faculty, but speaking indefinitely, he groups together all the impulses that arise within us.

Therefore, let this pagan philosophy concerning the freedom of the will be far from a Christian heart. Let everyone acknowledge himself to be the servant of sin, as he is in reality, so that he may be made free, being set at liberty by the grace of Christ. To glory in any other liberty is the greatest folly.