God declares us not guilty

If Christians were to have a true statement of faith, carefully crafted for presentation to the people of the world, it would, no doubt, be based somewhere in the Book of Romans. In writing the letter, Paul addresses the good news of the gospel, God's judgment of sin, and then sets out a discourse in telling how it all relates to us. 

Christianity was still a new thing, and there were still very strong influences from the Jews who were hanging on tight to the law of Moses.  In Romans 2, Paul writes about the law and its ordinances. He makes a strong case of showing the Jewish audience that the main problem with the law, is man's inability to keep it. In verse 23 Paul makes the accusation, "You are so proud of knowing the law, but you dishonor God by breaking it" Romans 2:23 NLT.

Later on he reminds them that they were the ones entrusted with the whole revelation from God, and readily became promise breakers through their disobedience. He further wanted them to understand just because they had broken their promises to God, does not mean God is going to break his promises to them.  God is going to remain true. 

It didn't take long for some of them to conclude that their sins were actually good, in that they allow people to see God's goodness when he declares sinners innocent.  And how can God condemn me, if my forgiven sins are in reality a testimony of his love and forgiveness?  They deducted the more they sin, the more God can forgive, therefore the sinful life is good.  (Sound familiar?)

Paul prepares an answer to this by quoting from several of the Psalms.  Verses 10-18 of Romans 3 are the quotations, mentioning things like "No one is righteous-- not even one." Further truth is revealed when Paul continues his quoting with "No one has real understanding; no one is seeking God." You can read the list of his quoted psalms, but he ends his train of thought with the words, "They do not know what true peace is. They have no fear of God to restrain them."  Then the segue. 

Beginning in chapter 3 verse 21 Paul begins talking about a new way to be right with God. "But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.  This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile,  for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,⁴ and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."

Are we to surmise that faith nullifies the law?  Paul answers negatively. His closing words in Romans 3 are, "...only when we have faith, do we truly fulfill the law."  Yes, we too, are sinners deserving death and isolation from the presence of God. Praise Him today that his righteousness has been made known, apart from the law and is freely given through Jesus Christ.  We serve a Mighty God who loves us and has provided that which we need for eternal life. 

<ronbwriting@yahoo.com>