How we cite our quotes: (Chapter:Verse)
Quote #7
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NRSV 6:23)
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (KJV 6:23)
This may be the most famous verse from Romans. You'll often just see the first part quoted (which is a bit of downer), while people leave off the last bit (which is, arguably, the most important part).
Quote #8
What then should we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet, if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, "You shall not covet." But sin, seizing an opportunity in the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness. (NRSV 7:7-8)
What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. (KJV 7:7-8)
So the law isn't exactly sinful, but it didn't really do anything to curb sin either. In fact, in Paul's view, the law made people sin all the more. Just like those speed limit signs make you want to go faster.
Quote #9
I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate […] For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me. (NRSV 7:15, 18-20)
For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I […] For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. (KJV 7:15, 18-20)
Whoa. This is deep. Is Paul hinting at original sin? The idea that no matter what we do, sin has got a hold on us? If Paul, who has dedicated his life to Jesus, can't fully overcome it, what hope do the rest of us have?