mikew wrote:What I've seen in the Letter to the Romans is that Paul was often using the word "law" more often in the sense of "principle" rather than "legal code."
Paul uses the word "law" to describe both the Ten Commandments and the Mosaic law.
The idea was that Paul was showing a contrast of faith to the Law, but trying to show that faith was as strong a concept as the Law of Moses-- and possibly required as strong an adherence as the Law of Moses required.
Paul also says we establish the law by faith.
Rom 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.
Overall Paul was saying that the principle of faith (that we are saved without works and apart from Law of Moses) left no room to boast against those under the Law of Moses, as if living by faith gave more reason to boast in our abilitities than those had who actually tried to follow the Law of Moses.
Paul was speaking directly to anyone, especially Jews, that would "rest" in the law of Moses and "boast" about it.
Rom 2:17-23 NLT If you are a Jew, you are relying on God's law for your special relationship with him. You boast that all is well between yourself and God. Yes, you know what he wants; you know right from wrong because you have been taught his law. You are convinced that you are a guide for the blind and a beacon light for people who are lost in darkness without God.
20 You think you can instruct the ignorant and teach children the ways of God. For you are certain that in God's law you have complete knowledge and truth. 21 Well then, if you teach others, why don't you teach yourself? You tell others not to steal, but do you steal? 22 You say it is wrong to commit adultery, but do you do it? You condemn idolatry, but do you steal from pagan temples? 23 You are so proud of knowing the law, but you dishonor God by breaking it.
Even if someone had followed the Law of Moses, any boasting he did would actually have been boasting in his ability in the flesh. So chapter 4 says that no boasting of our actions was reasonable in the sight of God.
Because? Because salvation is by the promise of God. "Grace" through "faith" (promise) not by the law (covenant). Was Paul saying the covenant was no good?
"Well then, if we emphasize faith, does this mean that we can forget about the law? Of course not! In fact, only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the law."