Romans Chapter 5 is perhaps one of the most enriching chapters in God's holy word. Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We also have God's love poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. What greater news could there be! It reinforces God's central truth: that we can trust Him. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. He paid the price for our sins by His perfect sacrifice.
The argument and discussion related to death through Adam and life through Christ is written like one of the finest legal arguments you will ever read. I cannot even comment on it adequately... it's best just to read it for yourself!
Read and be blessed... and remember the part about peace with God. Do you have that peace?
-atg-
Saturday, November 20, 2010
God is the Judge, not Sinful Man (Romans 2-3)
In Romans Chapter 2, we are reminded that we have no excuse to pass judgment on others because we ourselves are guilty, “for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself…” (v. 2:1). God makes it clear in His word that He is the judge, not sinful man. “God will give to each person according to what he has done. To those who by persistence is doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. … For God does not show favoritism.”
A couple of points need to be understood here:
(1) These passages in Romans do not mean that salvation itself is based upon works (good works versus evil deeds)… make no mistake that the Bible teaches that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, and not by works… this is made crystal clear elsewhere in Romans and the gospels.
(2) This scripture about not passing judgment does not mean that we do not share Biblical truth and use it for teaching and correcting our brothers and sisters. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. “ (2 Timothy 3:16-17) As a practical note, it is fine to correct your Christian brother and rebuke or correct him by pointing out errors and a need for discipline; but as we do this we are reminded that God is the ultimate judge. God looks upon the heart, where we clearly cannot see.
Also in Romans Chapter 3, we are reminded that God is just. We can count on that. Therefore, with justice, we know that we are condemned because of our sin. “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (v. 3:23) This is why the sacrifice, the atonement, the payment for our sins by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross is so significant. He was the perfect man, without sin... By His sacrifice for us, our sins are paid!
Now… go read Romans Chapter 2 and 3 for yourself and be blessed.
-atg-
A couple of points need to be understood here:
(1) These passages in Romans do not mean that salvation itself is based upon works (good works versus evil deeds)… make no mistake that the Bible teaches that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, and not by works… this is made crystal clear elsewhere in Romans and the gospels.
(2) This scripture about not passing judgment does not mean that we do not share Biblical truth and use it for teaching and correcting our brothers and sisters. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. “ (2 Timothy 3:16-17) As a practical note, it is fine to correct your Christian brother and rebuke or correct him by pointing out errors and a need for discipline; but as we do this we are reminded that God is the ultimate judge. God looks upon the heart, where we clearly cannot see.
Also in Romans Chapter 3, we are reminded that God is just. We can count on that. Therefore, with justice, we know that we are condemned because of our sin. “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (v. 3:23) This is why the sacrifice, the atonement, the payment for our sins by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross is so significant. He was the perfect man, without sin... By His sacrifice for us, our sins are paid!
Now… go read Romans Chapter 2 and 3 for yourself and be blessed.
-atg-
Don't Stop Your Fellowship (Romans 1)
The apostle, Paul, begins his letter to the Romans with a greeting, and a longing to visit his fellow Christians in Rome so that they can encourage each other in faith (verses 11-12). This reminds us of the importance of meeting together with other Christians to worship, pray, learn, and encourage each other. Indeed, many times when I need encouragement I find it from fellow Christ-followers whether at home, work, church or elsewhere.
Paul goes on to make a bold statement: that he is "...not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes..." He reminds us of the importance of the Gospel message to all of us, and our responsibility as Christians to me the messengers of that gospel.
Lastly, Paul, makes a very powerful observation about the slippery slope of idolatry leading to depravity. Read verses 18 through 32 within the context of what you see in America today and it may shock you how far our culture has slid towards that depravity. We need to pray for revival in our hearts, in our marriages, in our families, and in our country. We must honor God in all that we do and continue to serve as a light of His truth in our communities and in our world.
God bless you.
-atg-
Paul goes on to make a bold statement: that he is "...not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes..." He reminds us of the importance of the Gospel message to all of us, and our responsibility as Christians to me the messengers of that gospel.
Lastly, Paul, makes a very powerful observation about the slippery slope of idolatry leading to depravity. Read verses 18 through 32 within the context of what you see in America today and it may shock you how far our culture has slid towards that depravity. We need to pray for revival in our hearts, in our marriages, in our families, and in our country. We must honor God in all that we do and continue to serve as a light of His truth in our communities and in our world.
God bless you.
-atg-
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