February 26, 2005 Romans 3:19-31
February 26, 2005 Romans 3:19-31
Romans 3:20-23 “For "no human being will be justified in his sight" by deeds prescribed by the law, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin. But now, apart from law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is attested by the law and the prophets, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”
Being a planner, I like to know what is expected of me. I like knowing step one, step two, and step three. Rules make life easier; they make life predictable. It is good to know the route or the path we need to take to reach a goal.
Paul is contradicting this idea of following the rules to attain salvation. In the passage, he is saying that not only are the rules not the pathway to God, but following the rules leads to sin! How can this be? This is not right. Following the laws should get us where we need to go.
Paul says differently. He says we are justified in God’s eyes by faith, not by following the laws. He says God will accept and acquit us – declare us not guilty – if we trust Jesus to take away our sins. Not only that, but it does not matter who we are, Jew or Gentile, we can be saved by coming to a faith in Christ.
Does this mean we do not have to follow laws – laws like the Ten Commandments, laws of the state, moral laws? According to Paul, it is just the opposite. If we trust Jesus, we can only obey God’s laws. If we love Jesus, we will love one another. If we follow Jesus, we will follow the laws of God.
Our plan needs to change. Instead of a multi-step plan of salvation, we need only put our trust and faith in Christ. He takes away our sin. Through Him we can find our path to God.
Dear God, thank you for showing us the way to salvation through Jesus. Strengthen our faith and trust. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Romans 3:20-23 “For "no human being will be justified in his sight" by deeds prescribed by the law, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin. But now, apart from law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is attested by the law and the prophets, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”
Being a planner, I like to know what is expected of me. I like knowing step one, step two, and step three. Rules make life easier; they make life predictable. It is good to know the route or the path we need to take to reach a goal.
Paul is contradicting this idea of following the rules to attain salvation. In the passage, he is saying that not only are the rules not the pathway to God, but following the rules leads to sin! How can this be? This is not right. Following the laws should get us where we need to go.
Paul says differently. He says we are justified in God’s eyes by faith, not by following the laws. He says God will accept and acquit us – declare us not guilty – if we trust Jesus to take away our sins. Not only that, but it does not matter who we are, Jew or Gentile, we can be saved by coming to a faith in Christ.
Does this mean we do not have to follow laws – laws like the Ten Commandments, laws of the state, moral laws? According to Paul, it is just the opposite. If we trust Jesus, we can only obey God’s laws. If we love Jesus, we will love one another. If we follow Jesus, we will follow the laws of God.
Our plan needs to change. Instead of a multi-step plan of salvation, we need only put our trust and faith in Christ. He takes away our sin. Through Him we can find our path to God.
Dear God, thank you for showing us the way to salvation through Jesus. Strengthen our faith and trust. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Contributed by Nancy Conlan
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