The drama of human ego (Rom 7: 14-25)

Abstract

Rom 7: 14-25 describes the existential situation of a man separated from Christ. He suffers from internal dissociation. He does not understand himself. He knows perfectly what he should do, he has good intentions, yet his will and actions cannot get together. He carries an internal drama. He would like to be on God’s side, but the power of sin effectively pushes him towards evil. Law, though spiritual and divine, is not able to heal him from his internal powerlessness. However, lament of frustration is not the last word of this pericope. The dark confession of human ego changes into a hymn of thanksgiving that leads into the liberating, saving act accomplished in Christ (cf. Rom 8).