Justification through Redemption

So, all of mankind stands condemned, proven guilty of transgressing the law. We know from Romans 6:23, the penalty for sin is death. But, before resigning ourselves to the darkness of our doom, Romans 3:21 is like a light that turns on. God has offered us righteousness apart from the law, “through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe” (v.22) The rest of Chp 3 and all of Chp 4 show us that because Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins, He redeemed us. Also, that this offer of salvation cannot be earned through works, but is freely given to those who believe. It’s like, as we are standing before the judge about to receive our death sentence, the judge offers his son who is willing to die in our place. We are justified and acquitted when we accept His offer of freedom, made possible by His death and resurrection.

The Verdict

In Romans 3:10, “THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE” is like the verdict on the nature of Man. Chapters 1, 2, and 3, leading up to this verse, present arguments, as in a court case on the indictment of man on the charges of sin. Chapter 1 lays out the case against sinful man, Chapter 2 against the self-righteous; and also even against the Jews, the ones originally “entrusted with the oracles of God”. Both Jew and Gentile, circumcised and uncircumcised - in fact “ALL” have turned aside (3:12).

However, despite the solid case against man throughout these chapters, we still catch glimpses of God’s mercy and grace, in His plan for salvation: the gospel as “the power of God for salvation”, the “righteous shall live by faith, and “glory and honor and peace to every man who does good”. Romans 2:29 displays this as well, as it refers to the circumcision “of the heart, by the Spirit”.

Romans

Faithfulness applies to so many areas of our lives: how we live, our areas of responsibility or serving, etc. So, preparing to lead this next Bible Study series on Romans can be seen as part of the race. There are challenges - other things in life that compete for our time and energies, feelings of inadequacy, trying to make sure the Word is handled accurately, and so forth. Not to mention that there is so much in the Book the Romans, some of it hard to hear or difficult to understand.

So far, in the first couple of chapters, there is a clear definition of the gospel ("the power of God for salvation"); a clear view of the darkness of sin in the life of man; and the justice of God's judgment. Who wants to contemplate sin and judgment? But, looking around us, isn't it clear that we actually need to? Wouldn't a clear view of our weaknesses and tendencies, along with the reminder of the terrible consequences of sin, help us to try to avoid it all more? And for those of us who know God, remembering His kindness and patience should motivate us to repentance as well.

In the study so far, it has been clear that sin is that which is contrary to God's nature; and reminds me that committing a sin is based on a belief in a lie. Throughout the passage, there is this clear conflict against the TRUTH.

Faithfulness

"His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.'" Matthew 25:23

That's my goal--to hear God say "Well done, good and faithful servant" when I enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Over the years, I've learned more and more what "Faithfulness" really is. My life verse is Hebrews 12:1-2 " Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Faithfulness, is being obedient to the end, not giving up in the middle of the "race" even when entangled by sin or anything else the world burdens us with; all the time looking forward to the finish line "fixing our eyes on Jesus"