1 . As the former part of this chapter is an inference from the previous discussion, and presents a summary of the great truths already taught, we find here united the leading doctrines of the first portion of the epis- tle. For example, justification is by faith, v. 1 ; believers are not under the law, V. 2; the law is insufiicient for our justification; God has ac- complished that object by the sacrifice of his Son, vs. 3, 4 ; and this blessing is never disconnected from a holy life, v. 4.
2. The final salvation of those who are really united to Christ, and who show the reality of their union by good works, is secure. This is the doctrine of the whole chapter. This section contains two of the apostle's arguments in its support. 1. They are free from the law which condemned them to death, vs. 2, 3, 4. 2. They are partakers of that Spirit which is the author and earnest of eternal life, vs. 5 — 11.
3. Jesus Christ is truly divine. He is " God's own Son," i. e. par- taker of his nature. The Holy Ghost is his Spirit, and he dwells in all believers, vs. 3, 11.
4. Jesus Christ is truly a man. He came in the likeness of men, v. 3.
5. Christ was a sacrifice for sin, and his sufferings were penal, i. e. they were judicially inflicted in support of the law. ' God punished sin in him,' v. 3.
6. The justification of believers involves a fulfilling of the law ; its demands are not set aside, v. 4.
7. Every thing in the Bible is opposed to Antinomianism. Paul teaches that justification and sanctification cannot be disjoined. No one is or can be in the favour of God who lives after the flesh, vs. 5 — 11.
8. The necessity of holiness arises out of the very nature of things. Sin is death, whereas holiness is life and peace. God has made the con.