2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:2 KJV)
William Burkitt’s Commentary
If by the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, be meant the doctrine of the gospel, which is called the ministration of the Spirit, then the note is that the gospel or new covenant is a law, that it is the law of the Spirit in Christ Jesus and that it sets the sincere Christian at liberty from the slavery of sin and the condemning power of the law.
The law of the Spirit of life is understood to be a real and vital principle of regenerating grace working a new and heavenly life in the soul with great power and efficacy; thence we learn,
1. That the holy and blessed Spirit of God is a spirit of life.
1. Essentially and formally in himself; as the Father has life in himself, so the Spirit has life in himself also.
And, 2. effectively or casually, with respect to us. He is a quickening or life-giving Spirit, being the original spring and frontal cause of that spiritual life which is in a gracious soul.
Learn, 2. That every person, before the Spirit of life takes hold of him, is under the law of sin and death.
Learn, 3. That such as are truly regenerate, are made free from the law of sin and death.
4. That it is by the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, that any soul is made free from the law of sin and death.