How an Exclusive Romans 7 Theology Undermines Delight in God’s Law

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Part 14 –
How an Exclusive Romans 7 Theology Undermines Delight in God’s Law
This episode provides another possible reason why many Christians do not have a full appreciation of the Law, and this lack is made more salient because the psalmist in psalm 119 wasn’t even born again. The psalmist was nevertheless beside himself with love and delight in God’s law. So how is it that NT believers, who by definition are born again, have less delight with the Law of God than the unregenerate psalmist in Psalm 119? The episode first addresses the presumption of many that the psalmist was born again, showing that the Scripture indicates regeneration is a result of the resurrection (1 Peter 1:3) and the glorification of Christ (John 7:39) Believers consequently were NOT born again in the Old Testament. They nevertheless put their faith in God and even delighted with the Law of God, based on the influence of the Holy Spirit. So again, how is it that the unregenerate psalmist, who is INFLUENCED by the Spirit, delighted more with the Law than many REGENERATE Christians today? The episode contends that the sanctification expectations of “Romans 7” Christians stunt appreciation of God’s Law. If Christians are at best divided souls, where the fleshly and spiritual principles are intractably at war, WITHOUT the expectation that the Spirit gains the upper hand, then the natural consequence is that these believers can never attain a holistic appreciation of God’s Law. But this purely Romans 7 theology collapses in light of Romans 8:2, “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death.” The episode closes by exhorting believers to embrace the substantial victory of the Spirit over the fleshly principle and as a bi-product holistically delight in God’s Law.

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  • 00:00:12 – Introduction to Kingdom Questions
  • 00:00:28 – Exploring Psalm 119
  • 00:01:40 – Transactional Relationships with God
  • 00:03:17 – Old Testament Believers and the Law
  • 00:05:31 – The Role of the Holy Spirit
  • 00:06:49 – Understanding Romans Seven
  • 00:09:31 – The Pessimistic View of Sanctification
  • 00:10:37 – The Promise of Victory in Romans Eight
  • 00:12:34 – Closing Prayer and Encouragement
  • 00:13:00 – Conclusion and Next Steps
Part 14 –
How an Exclusive Romans 7 Theology Undermines Delight in God’s Law

Podcast (kingdomquestions): Play in new window | Download | Embed

  • 00:00:12 – Introduction to Kingdom Questions
  • 00:00:28 – Exploring Psalm 119
  • 00:01:40 – Transactional Relationships with God
  • 00:03:17 – Old Testament Believers and the Law
  • 00:05:31 – The Role of the Holy Spirit
  • 00:06:49 – Understanding Romans Seven
  • 00:09:31 – The Pessimistic View of Sanctification
  • 00:10:37 – The Promise of Victory in Romans Eight
  • 00:12:34 – Closing Prayer and Encouragement
  • 00:13:00 – Conclusion and Next Steps
This episode provides another possible reason why many Christians do not have a full appreciation of the Law, and this lack is made more salient because the psalmist in psalm 119 wasn’t even born again. The psalmist was nevertheless beside himself with love and delight in God’s law. So how is it that NT believers, who by definition are born again, have less delight with the Law of God than the unregenerate psalmist in Psalm 119? The episode first addresses the presumption of many that the psalmist was born again, showing that the Scripture indicates regeneration is a result of the resurrection (1 Peter 1:3) and the glorification of Christ (John 7:39) Believers consequently were NOT born again in the Old Testament. They nevertheless put their faith in God and even delighted with the Law of God, based on the influence of the Holy Spirit. So again, how is it that the unregenerate psalmist, who is INFLUENCED by the Spirit, delighted more with the Law than many REGENERATE Christians today? The episode contends that the sanctification expectations of “Romans 7” Christians stunt appreciation of God’s Law. If Christians are at best divided souls, where the fleshly and spiritual principles are intractably at war, WITHOUT the expectation that the Spirit gains the upper hand, then the natural consequence is that these believers can never attain a holistic appreciation of God’s Law. But this purely Romans 7 theology collapses in light of Romans 8:2, “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death.” The episode closes by exhorting believers to embrace the substantial victory of the Spirit over the fleshly principle and as a bi-product holistically delight in God’s Law.

Episode Scripture References -

More About This Episode -

In this episode of “Kingdom Questions,” hosted by Victor Vigorito, he addresses the question about the central theme of Psalm 119 and its application to New Testament Christian life. Victor begins by highlighting the psalmist’s appreciation of God’s law and questions why many New Testament Christians seem to lack delight in it despite having the indwelling Holy Spirit. He proposes that a transactional understanding of the relationship with God could lead to this lack of appreciation, suggesting that individuals with this perspective might not truly be saved, referencing the Parable of the Talents to illustrate his point about unproductive faith.


Victor then explores the misconception that Old Testament believers were born again, explaining that regeneration is tied to Christ’s resurrection. Although the psalmist was not born again, he was influenced by the Holy Spirit, which enabled him to love the law of God. This contrasts with many New Testament believers who might operate under a “Roman seven” mindset, viewing themselves as trapped in a continuous battle between flesh and spirit. Victor discusses how this perspective leads to a pessimistic view of sanctification, where believers feel unable to achieve victory over sin, reminiscent of Paul’s lament in Romans seven.


He argues that without the hope offered in Romans eight, which promises freedom from the law of sin and death, believers may resign themselves to a life limited in their appreciation for God’s law. Victor emphasizes the importance of understanding Romans eight to maintain hope and delight in the law, reinforcing that reliance on Romans seven alone can lead to a diminished love for God’s commands.

Key Terms From This Episode -

Main Theme: Central theme of Psalm 119 and its application in Christian life

    Key Points:

  • Focus on Psalm 119:5-6, emphasizing dependence on God to uphold His statutes
  • The psalmist’s delight in God’s law vs. the lack of appreciation among New Testament Christians
  • Questioning if a transactional understanding of the relationship with God affects appreciation
  • Suggests that individuals with a transactional view may not be truly saved
  • Misconception about Old Testament believers being “born again.”

    • Episode Scripture References -

    More About This Episode -

    In this episode of “Kingdom Questions,” hosted by Victor Vigorito, he addresses the question about the central theme of Psalm 119 and its application to New Testament Christian life. Victor begins by highlighting the psalmist’s appreciation of God’s law and questions why many New Testament Christians seem to lack delight in it despite having the indwelling Holy Spirit. He proposes that a transactional understanding of the relationship with God could lead to this lack of appreciation, suggesting that individuals with this perspective might not truly be saved, referencing the Parable of the Talents to illustrate his point about unproductive faith.


    Victor then explores the misconception that Old Testament believers were born again, explaining that regeneration is tied to Christ’s resurrection. Although the psalmist was not born again, he was influenced by the Holy Spirit, which enabled him to love the law of God. This contrasts with many New Testament believers who might operate under a “Roman seven” mindset, viewing themselves as trapped in a continuous battle between flesh and spirit. Victor discusses how this perspective leads to a pessimistic view of sanctification, where believers feel unable to achieve victory over sin, reminiscent of Paul’s lament in Romans seven.


    He argues that without the hope offered in Romans eight, which promises freedom from the law of sin and death, believers may resign themselves to a life limited in their appreciation for God’s law. Victor emphasizes the importance of understanding Romans eight to maintain hope and delight in the law, reinforcing that reliance on Romans seven alone can lead to a diminished love for God’s commands.

    Key Terms From This Episode -

    Main Theme: Central theme of Psalm 119 and its application in Christian life

      Key Points:

  • Focus on Psalm 119:5-6, emphasizing dependence on God to uphold His statutes
  • The psalmist’s delight in God’s law vs. the lack of appreciation among New Testament Christians
  • Questioning if a transactional understanding of the relationship with God affects appreciation
  • Suggests that individuals with a transactional view may not be truly saved
  • Misconception about Old Testament believers being “born again.”
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