(243) Commentators are divided as to the meaning of this verse. This and the second verse seem to bear a relation in sense to one another; so that if the second verse refers to justification, this also refers to it; but if freedom from the power of sin and death be what is taught in the former verse, the actual or personal fulfillment of the law must be what is intended here. Some, such as [Pareus ] and [Venema ], consider justification to be the subject of both verses; and others, such as [Scott ] and [Doddridge ], consider it to be sanctification. But [Beza ], [Chalmers ], as well as [Calvin ], somewhat inconsistently, regard the second verse as speaking of freedom from the power or dominion of sin, and not from its guilt or condemnation, and this verse as speaking of the imputed righteousness of Christ, and not of that righteousness which believers are enabled to perform by the Spirit’s aid and influence. The verses seem so connected in the argument, that one of these two ideas must be held throughout.
There is nothing decisive in the wording of this verse, though the cast of the expressions seem more favorable to the idea entertained by [Doddridge ] and [Scott ], and especially what follows in the context, where the work of the Spirit is exclusively spoken of. The word δικαιωμα, is better rendered “righteousness” than “justification;” for “the righteousness to the law” means the righteousness which the law requires; and the words “might be fulfilled in us,” may, with equal propriety as to the uses loquendi , be rendered, “might be performed by us.” The verb πληρόω has this meaning in Rom_13:8, and in other places.
Viewed in this light the verse contains the same truth with what is expressed by “serving the law of God,” in Rom_7:25, and the same with yielding our members as “instruments of righteousness unto God,” in Rom_6:13. That this is to establish a justification by the law, is obviated by the consideration, that this righteousness is performed through the efficacy of Christ’s death, and through the reviving power of the Spirit, and not through the law, and that it is not a justifying righteousness before God, for it is imperfect, and the law can acknowledge nothing as righteousness but what is perfect. The sanctification now begun will be finally completed; but it is all through grace: and the completion of this work will be a complete conformity with the immutable law of God. — Ed.
