Romans 7:13

Did then that which is good become death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might be shown to be sin, by working death to me through that which is good;--that through the commandment sin might become exceeding sinful. "Did then that which is good become death unto me?" -"become"-'become. CAUSE OF DEATH for me?' (NASV); 'But didn't the law cause my doom?' (Tay).

'Good is it?' someone asks, 'is that which killed me good?'

"God forbid" -Of course not!

"But sin" -God's law wasn't the villain, sin was. Paul died because 'he' violated the Law.

"That it might be shown to be sin" -by the Law sin is exposed, made apparent, and that is useful!

"through that which is good" -i.e. the Law of God. "It was sin that did so, so that it might be recognized as sin, because even through something that was good it effected my death." (Gspd) Another way of viewing this section of the verse is to re-read Romans 1:10-11.

Note: This verse clearly contradicts the doctrine of Total Hereditary Depravity. Paul's spiritual death came about when sin used something "good" to kill him with (Romans 7:11). But if Paul was dead in sin because he inherited the guilt of Adam's sin, how could "Adam's sin" be called 'good'?

"that through the commandment sin might become exceedingly sinful" -'and in this way the Commandment showed how intensely sinful sin is' (TCNT). It is the Law of God that reveals how bad sin is!

'The commandment, the holy, righteous, and good commandment succeeded in showing how sneaky and powerful the Tyrant Sin was.'

This verse infers that the Word of God is plain and clear, that the awfulness of sin is clearly revealed within it.

'Remember that in this whole section Paul wishes to show that his doctrine DOES NOT logically lead to. life of sinning that grace might have opportunity...He has been saying that, in the Christian's view, Law is so holy that the person who wishes to acceptably serve God must be released from the Law's demands for flawlessness. This section (Romans 7:7-25) is his defense of the holy, righteous and good Law. In this verse (13) we learn that the Law has done mankind. service in pointing out how horrific and powerful Sin the tyrant is.'