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Romans Commentary Chapters 1-8  /  Romans 7:7-14 the Law Made US Aware of Sin  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 2
Origen is quoted saying that the one who turns back to sin “rebuilds the barrier of hostility… dissolves the work of Christ… undoes Christ’s suffering on the cross”; what do you think he means by that in real terms, and where do you feel resistance to speaking about sin in such severe, relational categories?
Another way to ask: What do you think Origen means when he says going back to sin rebuilds the wall between us and God and “undoes” Christ’s work? Why do you think it’s hard to talk about sin in such strong, relationship-based words?

Direct Answer The transcript suggests Origen means that returning to sin after receiving peace is not a small mistake—it restores the same “enmity” relationship with God that Christ removed, treating Christ’s cross as if it were being cancelled in your life.

Support from Transcript:

  • Origen: “he who again turns to sin renews the former enmity with God.”
  • He “rebuilds the barrier of hostility,” implying peace with God can be reversed by renewed hostility.
  • He “dissolves the work of Christ… thereby undoes Christ’s suffering on the cross,” meaning the believer’s return to sin rejects the reconciling effect of Christ’s work for them.
  • The teacher connects this to a warning tone like “Hebrews 10:26-29,” placing willful sin after receiving truth in a very serious category.
  • “Anyone in whom there is evil can never have peace with God,” reinforcing sin as relational warfare, not merely rule-breaking.
Discussion Follow-ups Is your resistance more about fear of shame, or about a theology that assumes peace cannot be lost? What language helps you describe sin as “war with God” without becoming hopeless?

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