Many People Are Physiologically Sensitive To ...

Many people are physiologically sensitive to chocolate. Certain of the larger benzene compounds present in chocolate are resisted by their bodies through an allergic reaction. Depending on the individual, this reaction may range from very mild, producing a minor skin rash, to very severe, producing medical shock and death. Chocolate is fatal for some persons not because chocolate is poisonous in and of itself but because of the biochemical makeup of their bodies.

In a similar way, the power of sin in human beings reacts to the law and brings death. As Paul says in Romans 7:7-12, this happens not because the law is evil but because of sin within us. (Green, M. P. (1989). Illustrations for Biblical Preaching : Over 1500 sermon illustrations arranged by topic and indexed exhaustively (Revised edition of: The expositor’s illustration file). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.)

The law points out our falling short of God’s standard. God gives the gift of faith as the means by which He makes us right with him. Therefore, in Galatians 2:16 we see the description of faith in Christ Jesus. Faith in Christ is not mere intellectual assent to the fact that Jesus died and rose for man’s sin but is personal trust in His death to remove and forgive one’s own sins. It is total commitment to submit to Him as Lord (cf. James 4:7).