3rd Chapter of Romans
Romans 3:1 (all verses are from the New International Version)
What advantage, then,
is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision?
GOD PROVEN RIGHTEOUS BY OUR UNFAITHFULNESS
Human argument #1: Does any human have a special advantage?
“What then is the overplus of the Jew?” What does the Jew have over and above the Gentile? It is a pertinent question after the stinging indictment of the unfaithful Jew in chapter 2. - RWP
Paul basically toys with the logical afterthought the
Jewish Christians must have had after hearing that God values the inward
transformation of a man, not the outward symbol. Jews were used to everything
being done in an outward symbolic fashion, especially when it came to their
faith! But Paul also wants them to know that he is not trying to discredit all
God did with them.
Paul lists the only value there was in being Jewish, not
that there is any value currently, since he wrote in the last chapters that
being a true Jew is being one inwardly. In the same way, circumcision, the
symbol of having a covenant with God, of being Abraham's seed; has value if and
only if you have made that promise true in Jesus. As we know from the last
chapter, circumcision by itself is worth nothing (Gal_5:2; Gal_5:6).
Romans 3:2
Much in every way!
First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God.
Paul does not add to his “First of all..." (To begin with - ESV). He singles out the most important privilege that Jews may still claim under the New Covenant. This privilege, though, all the more will convict the Jewish Christians of being obedient in Jesus.
Here is the real value in being Jewish by heritage: they
are of the people who received the very words - "oracles-ESV"
(logion: the
words or utterances of God; the contents of the Mosaic law) of God. They received the special revelation of God
concerning the salvation of mankind and God's plan of redemption.
1.
They had the oracles
of God committed unto them.
2.
The entire Old
Testament was given through the Jews.
3.
They had the first,
and only, written law up to this point.
4.
The Gentiles had to
live by oral teachings.
5.
The Catholics did not
give us the Bible as they claim.
6.
The Apocryphal Books
were never considered to be inspired by the Jews
7.
The Jews received the
law, but they did not keep it. Act_7:53 – Who have received the law by the disposition of
angels, and have not kept it.
8.
Think of what a
greater advantage we have by having the entire Bible!
Romans 3:3
What if some did not
have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God's faithfulness?
Human argument #2: Does not my lack of faith and obedience
force God to change His plans?
Paul uses the rhetorical question approach to instruct the
Jewish Christians about true worth in Christ Jesus. He goes about in a debate
format, trying to pre-empt the questions they may have in their minds. He is
trying to relate to them perhaps, to let them know he has had these questions
as well.
Of course, the faithlessness of humans does not tarnish the
faithfulness of God. It just proves God is right, as the next verse says.
Even if the Jews did not believe in what was given to them
or in the promise of a Messiah, God's plan would not fail because it would have
been carried out by rocks if it had to (Mat_3:9)!
Whether or not people believe in God and what He is doing
to try to save them will not thwart God's plan that He has set in motion. Look
at the people in Noah's time! Only he, Noah, was faithful and only he, was
saved with his family! If there is only one family to be saved at the end
times, then let it be so!
Eph_3:10-11
(10) His intent was that now, through the church, the
manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in
the heavenly realms, (11) according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished
in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Rom_11:29
...for God's gifts and his call are irrevocable
(beyond recall or repeal).
Romans 3:4
Not at all! Let God
be true, and every man a liar. As it is written: "So that you may be
proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge." {4 Psalm 51:4}
God is true and just no matter what people think about Him.
Popular opinion does not change who God is or what He will do.
God is proven true all the time. There is no accusation
that can be made against God, especially when it comes to His grace, love and
faithfulness, or any plan He may want to execute!
Paul quotes from David, one of the most prominent Jews in
all Jewish history, showing how God's judgement is always right and that we all
fall under His judgement especially when we fail to do His will, no matter who
we are; even if we are the chosen King of His Kingdom (as David was at that
time)!
David's jurisprudence (the science and knowledge of
laws) in Psa_51:4 pronounces the arraignment (answer to the accusation)
of God in man's view:
1.
He is proven right (justified-ESV)
when He speaks
2.
He is justified (blameless-ESV)
when He judges
So even though God does not have to defend Himself or prove
His case before a human court, He chooses to allow the jurisprudence process of
humans to come to the conclusion that He is always right, no matter what. Any
human accusation against God will be proven false. They are grounded in
misconception, limited perspective and deception.
Job_13:15-16
15 Though he slay
me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face.
16 Indeed, this will
turn out for my deliverance, for no godless man would dare come before him!
Romans 3:5
But if our
unrighteousness brings out God's righteousness more clearly, what shall we say?
That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.)
Human argument #3: God is unfair in bringing His wrath upon
us if our sin proves His righteousness
Paul introduces a human argument probably popular at the
time, though still applicable today. People's disobedience and stubbornness
testify to this reasoning within them although they may not verbalize it. They
show it in their actions and unbelief.
Some verbalize it by calling God unfair in judging all
people. Some have created their own idols because they cannot fathom a God that
will condemn people to an eternity in Hell. They will say - "I cannot
believe in a God that does those things!" or "I only believe in a
loving God!" In effect what they are saying and doing is creating their
own idol to fit their own limited belief and worldly faith, fitting to their
disobedience. We know that God's wish is not for people to be condemned but to
be saved (1Ti_2:3-4). God is working toward this very end as we speak (Act_17:26-31).
God's wrath is coming because of sin, and we all are the
cause of it. His wrath will consume you unless you have been justified in
Christ - there is no favoritism! That scares people because people are used to
biased judgement in the world. People believe in entitlement. The Jewish people
thought they were entitlement to the Kingdom of God simply because they were
Jewish, no matter if they were disobedient or faithless. Our own system of
governments has enabled our entitlement mentality, which is ungodly. The only
true entitlement is found within the title of being a "son of God" in
Christ Jesus (Gal_3:26-27). This entitlement is gained through obedient faith, as we
have seen and will continue to see in Romans.
Our unrighteousness and sin collectively prove that God is
true and righteous. There is no accusation that can be brought before Him. If
God wanted to condemn all of us without showing grace and mercy He is justified
in doing so! Do you believe that? If you can't come to accept that then you
have been corrupted by your entitlement mentality. That will not get you the
grace of God because you think you are special and deserve different treatment.
Be careful! For such thinking is idolatry and the cause for God's wrath.
Romans 3:6
Certainly not! If
that were so, how could God judge the world?
Man does not do God any favors in becoming involved in sin.
God desires our obedience since it will result in the best for man:
1Sa_15:22-23
22 But Samuel
replied:
"Does the
LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
as much as in
obeying the voice of the LORD ?
To obey is
better than sacrifice,
and to heed is
better than the fat of rams.
23 For rebellion is
like the sin of divination,
and arrogance
like the evil of idolatry.
Because you
have rejected the word of the LORD,
he has
rejected you as king."
God would not be able to judge the world if He was
unrighteous. It is man who is proven unrighteous in every way:
1- Entitlement through sacrifice or favors
2- Biased judgements and false assumptions and
presuppositions
3- Mental defect and empty paradigms through idolatry
4- Disobedience, rejection and wanton evil
Romans 3:7
Someone might argue,
"If my falsehood enhances God's truthfulness and so increases his glory,
why am I still condemned as a sinner?"
Paul continues to try to to show how our reasoning may not
lead us to the truth unless we accept God's words as true. Why is my sin
worthy of punishment if it increases the righteousness of God?; would be
another way of putting it.
When Paul says my falsehood (lie), he is referring
to the Gospel he is being accused of disseminating by the Jewish Christians -
the Gospel that does away with the Law of Moses, as he is charged with
saying.
So Paul's argument is what is logically known as an ad
hominem argument (an argument from what people do).
He is basically saying:
"You view me as a false teacher. False to the religion
of my fathers. I am consequently condemned by you as a sinner. But in all this
I am wronged, according to your own reasoning. For if the truthfulness of God
has abounded all the more by my false teaching, why do you still condemn me as
a sinner? If, according to your reasoning, you should not be punished, then
neither should I." -- Moses E. Lard, Commentary on Romans
Some of the Jewish Christians viewed him as a sinner
because of what he was teaching - it was contradictory to the religion they had
come to know through their elders. So Paul argues that if the truth of God has
abounded more through his lie, why was he being judged as a sinner by them? He
proves their argument to be illogical. He is trying to help them see the error
of their thinking by using their view of him.
Sin never makes God look good. God hates it!
Romans 3:8
Why not say-- as we
are being slanderously reported as saying and as some claim that we say--
"Let us do evil that good may result"? Their condemnation is
deserved.
Human argument #4: Let's do evil that good may come since
our sin makes God look good
Paul reduces their argument to an absurdity. He basically
says: "If your method of judging is correct, then why not do evil so that
good would come out of it?" -- Coffman
This notion is not only incorrect; it is utterly sinful and
justly condemned by God.
Some people were slandering the church in the fist century
by accusing them of practicing this sort of evil since they thought they were
surely going to be saved anyway. They were claiming Christians were saying they
were above the law and entitled to everything. Of course, these were just
misrepresentations of the doctrine. They had a misconception of God's grace.
Those who advocate "faith only" salvation, and in
particular those of the Calvinist persuasion who believe nothing can affect
their salvation, tend to hold onto this slanderous charge as part of their
doctrine. Their view of God's grace is based on a slanderous accusation! How
preposterous that they hold onto something the Holy Spirit reveals is slander
deserving of condemnation!
They may not exactly say those words Paul repeats here, but
certainly they believe some twisted versions of it, like: "It doesn't
matter what you believe as long as you love God", or, "God loves
everyone and we all sin anyway, so we will be OK", or a favorite of the
Calvinist: "we can neither save nor condemn ourselves, God already has
chosen his people and nothing we do can make God unsave us".
Their twisted way of thinking will bring about their just
condemnation. Yikes!
Romans 3:9
What shall we
conclude then? Are we any better? {9 Or <worse>} Not at all! We have
already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin.
WE ARE ALL ALIKE AND CONDEMNED UNDER SIN
No man-made system can save you
All humans fall under condemnation because all humans sin.
Likewise, all peoples and their systems of logic, thinking and reasoning, even
the Jew with his God-given system, show how utterly helpless man is apart from
God in gaining justification. We all
desperately need God's revelation to save us and actually make us righteous in
His eyes, something that no man-made system can even come close to
accomplishing.
"This is the first occurrence of the word sin out
of nearly fifty places in Romans 1 - 8. The various New Testament words for sin
are deeply significant. The most familiar and frequent of them means missing
the mark; another means overstepping a boundary; another, falling
instead of standing; another, being ignorant instead of knowing;
another, diminishing what should be rendered in full; another, disobeying
a voice; another, disregarding a command and another, willfully
careless. These are but a few of the aspects of sinning suggested by the
etymology of the terms used." -- Griffith Thomas, St Paul's Epistle
to the Romans
Paul now delivers the fatal blow to all human presumption
concerning their goodness or specialties or privileges: they are worth nothing
because they are powerless in accomplishing anything of real worth before the
Judge and Savior of mankind.
In the following
verse the Spirit describes man's 7 Fatal Flaws.
Romans 3:10
As it is written:
"There is no one righteous, not even one;
Fatal Flaw #1: No one is righteous
Paul now uses a series of verses to prove the un-redeeming
qualities of mankind. These are passages that all Jews would be familiar with,
and therefore, not able to excuse themselves in this argument:
Psa_14:1-3; Psa_53:1-3
1 The fool says in his heart, "There is no God."
They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.
2 The LORD looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see
if there are any who understand, any who seek God.
3 All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt;
there is no one who does good, not even one.
Ecc_7:20
There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is
right and never sins.
No one is righteous (dikaios: equitable (in character or act); by
implication innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively): - just,
meet, right (-eous).)
1.
No one is innocent,
faultless or guiltless.
2.
No one is just!
3.
We all are guilty as
sinners!
4.
We do not want to do
what is right.
5.
We are easily sold out
to sin.
Romans 3:11
there is no one who
understands, no one who seeks God.
Fatal Flaw #2: No one seeks God
No man can say he seeks God, for God is the one constantly
seeking after us. We cannot say: "I found the Lord!", for it is God
who works around us that we may try and reach out to Him:
2Ch_16:9
For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to
strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.
Act_17:25-27
25 And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed
anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.
26 From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole
earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they
should live. 27 God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out
for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.
We are not interested in God nor in pursuing a relationship
with Him! Not even when we are made to suffer do we seek to solely depend in
Him!
1.
We don't care to know
about God
2.
We don't care to be
truthful
3.
We don't care to be
moral
4.
We don't care to be
guided
5.
We don't care to be
knowledgeable
6.
We clutter our life
with useless traditions
7.
We obscure truth with
our opinions
8.
We make our lives
worthless by our idolatry
Luk_16:15
He said to them, "You are the ones who justify
yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued
among men is detestable in God's sight."
Joh_5:44
How can you believe if you accept praise from one another,
yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God?
Luk_11:52
"Woe to you experts in the law, because you have taken
away the key to knowledge. You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered
those who were entering."
Romans 3:12
All have turned away,
they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even
one." {12 Psalms 14:1-3; 53:1-3; Eccles. 7:20}
Since we are not righteous and don't seek God, we are worthless
(achreioo: to
render useless, that is, spoil: - become unprofitable.)
The Jews who did not follow God turned to pagan myths and
idol worship. Many of these continue to influence people to this day. When we
don't follow God we become worthless.
Jer_13:10
These wicked people, who refuse to listen to my words, who
follow the stubbornness of their hearts and go after other gods to serve and
worship them, will be like this belt—completely useless!
Mat_25:28-30
28 Take the talent
from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. 29 For everyone who
has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have,
even what he has will be taken from him. 30 And throw that worthless servant
outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Psa_53:1
The fool says in his heart, "There is no God."
They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good.
Romans 3:13
"Their throats
are open graves; their tongues practice deceit." {13 Psalm 5:9} "The
poison of vipers is on their lips." {13 Psalm 140:3}
Fatal Flaw #3: We deceive with our speech
Psa_5:9
Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is
filled with destruction. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongue they
speak deceit.
Psa_140:3
They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent's; the poison
of vipers is on their lips.
1.
We cannot be trusted
2.
Our heart is filled
with destruction - Jer_17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond
cure. Who can understand it?
3.
Our mouths are
cesspools (open graves) - out of them come foul things!
4.
We lie to people's
faces
5.
We hurt and destroy
others with our tongues
6.
We poison
(ios: (to send);
rust (as if emitted by metals); also venom (as emitted
by serpents): - poison, rust.) with our tongues
Romans 3:14
"Their mouths
are full of cursing and bitterness." {14 Psalm 10:7}
Fatal Flaw #4: We curse and slander with our speech
Psa_10:7
His mouth is full of curses and lies and threats; trouble
and evil are under his tongue.
Pro_15:28
The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the
mouth of the wicked gushes evil.
1.
We curse and do not
bless
2.
We complain
3.
We tear each other
down
4.
We threaten each other
- bitterness (pikria: acridity (especially poison), literally or figuratively: -
bitterness.)
5.
We forecast gloom and
doom - nothing is ever satisfying or good
6.
We spread gossip and
slander - we don't spread goodness or protect people's reputation
The tongue is an important indicator of character.
Mat_12:34
You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything
good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.
Romans 3:15
"Their feet are
swift to shed blood;
Fatal Flaw #5: We are quick to injure others through our
actions
Isa_59:7-8
7 Their
feet rush into sin; they are swift to shed innocent blood. Their
thoughts are evil thoughts; ruin and destruction mark their ways.
8 The way of peace they do not know; there is no justice in
their paths. They have turned them into crooked roads; no one who walks in them
will know peace.
Pro_6:16-19
16 There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him:
17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood,
18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil,
19 a
false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among
brothers.
1.
We rush only to please
ourselves
2.
When it is for the
good of others we are slow
3.
Whatever we can do for
others is half-baked; half-hearted
4.
What we do well is
hurting others
5.
What we do quickly is
hurting others
6.
We shed innocent
blood: abortion
Romans 3:16
ruin and misery mark
their ways,
Isa_59:7-9
7 Their feet rush into sin; they are swift to shed innocent
blood. Their thoughts are evil
thoughts; ruin and destruction mark their ways.
8 The way of peace they do not know; there is no justice in
their paths. They have turned them into crooked roads; no one who walks in them
will know peace.
9 So
justice is far from us, and righteousness does not reach us. We look for light, but all is
darkness; for brightness, but we walk in deep shadows.
1.
Our ways are marked
with ruin and destruction
2.
We always make things
worse
3.
We stick our noses in
other people's business to worsen their situation and ours
4.
We cannot think good
things about others nor ourselves
5.
We want liberty but
cause oppression
6.
We want knowledge but
cause darkness
7.
We want justice but
condemn ourselves
Romans 3:17
and the way of peace
they do not know." {17 Isaiah 59:7,8}
Fatal Flaw #6: We are unfamiliar with true peace
Isa_59:7-8
7 Their feet rush into sin; they are swift to shed innocent
blood. Their thoughts are evil thoughts; ruin and destruction mark their ways.
8 The way
of peace they do not know; there is no justice in their paths. They have
turned them into crooked roads; no one who walks in them will know peace.
1.
We don't know how to
make peace
2.
We don't know how to
be objective
3.
We don't know how to
judge rightly
4.
We are biased,
prejudiced and presumptuous
Peace is a by-product of doing God's will. The ungodly
cannot know peace. Sin destroys peace.
Philippians 4:4-7
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Four characteristics of divine peace:
1- Divine peace comes only from God
2- Divine peace surpasses the mind
3- Divine peace guards the heart and the mind
4- Divine peace is only available in Christ
Romans 3:18
"There is no
fear of God before their eyes." {18 Psalm 36:1}
Fatal Flaw #7: We do not fear God enough
Psa_36:1
An oracle is within my heart concerning the sinfulness of
the wicked: There is no fear of God before his eyes.
1.
Our faith is blinded
by our pleasures
2.
We trust our sight
more than our faith
3.
We don't believe God
4.
We don't respect God
5.
We don't revere God
6.
We are stupid and
foolish
7.
We know nothing of
LOVE
There are several restraints that can keep us from
committing sin:
1.
Fear of punishment
from: parents, school officials, employers, legal system, government
2.
Our conscience
3.
Our peers approval
4.
Our family
relationships and approval
5.
The fear of God
When you loose the fear of God none of the others matter
any more.
Ecc_8:12-13
12 Although a wicked man commits a hundred crimes and still
lives a long time, I know that it will go better with God-fearing men, who are
reverent before God. 13 Yet because the wicked do not fear God, it will not go
well with them, and their days will not lengthen like a shadow.
Ecc_12:13-14
13 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.
Pro_16:6
Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through
the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil.
Did you notice the progression of the 7 Fatal Flaws of mankind?
1.
Mind - Only God and you know what goes through your mind!
2.
Speech - Important indicator of character
3.
Action - Shows if a character is already corrupt
4.
Attitude - Cemented by repeated use of speech and actions
Transgenerational Thinking
If we view these verses as parents who are to train our children against developing these fatal flaws, we need to understand that if we are not actively training our children and delegating that responsibility to the hands of daycare centers, public or private school, even the church to raise your child in Christ; then they run a very high risk of:
Look at the majority of children today, especially in the inner cities. Many of you may ride the trains and the buses. Do you see these fatal flaws in the teenagers and young adults of today? Generally this is speaking about all mankind but young people of any society can give us a good idea where the society in general is headed. For us in America it can look bad, but remember what Christ said in Mat_5:13-16 :
Mat 5:13
"You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.Mat 5:14
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.Mat 5:15
Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.Mat 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.As a modern parent you may not think the way an ancient Jew thought about life and their children. Jews believed their children to be extensions of their very lives. That is why Abraham was very content knowing that God was pronouncing a blessing on his children, because blessing his children was just as good as blessing Abraham himself.
In the same way, when we read Mat_5:13-16, we need to begin to think outside the box and understand and know that when Jesus speaks of being salt and light He is talking to you directly about being salt and light. Now consider these verses in light of our children being extensions of our life and faith. Our children should also reflect our convictions and be our salt and light. In a world that is perishing all around us, we need to be intentionally raising our children in a way that strategically prepares them to be the most potent salt and the brightest light possible for all future generations. This way we ensure that God's promise will continue to be extended unto all future generations. This is the progressive vision Abraham had that resulted in justified faith. Abraham did not just think about himself, but about all those that would be affected by his decisions in the here and now. As parents, you don't want to the bowl hiding your child's light due to your lack of faith and lack of training them.
Romans 3:19
Now we know that
whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every
mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God.
We are all under God's Law, whether by natural or special
revelation
Paul specifically speaks to the Jews here, under the Law of
Moses. However, we know from earlier passages that God judged the Gentiles
according to the natural law revealed through their conscience. There is no
excuse. Your conscience testifies against your guilt whether you are under
special or natural revelation of the law.
The Jews boasted about their special relationship with God
and described the Gentiles as people under God's judgement. The Holy Spirit
points out here that the Jews were under the same judgement, yet more severe
since they already ha God's special law and choose to ignore it!
We will all appear before the judgement seat of Christ and
will be judged whether we believe in God's Law or not:
2Co_5:10
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ,
that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the
body, whether good or bad.
Heb_4:13
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight.
Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must
give account.
Act_17:30-31
30 In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he
commands all people everywhere to repent. 31 For he has set a day when he will
judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of
this to all men by raising him from the dead.
Romans 3:20
Therefore no one will
be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the
law we become conscious of sin.
Law cannot justify human sin
God's Laws (natural law) judge without prejudice
God's Laws (higher law) cannot justify. They are truly
blind. They are not partial to anyone.
God's system of Laws
1.
Physical Law - What true science can discover (Natural Revelation)
2.
Natural Law - What true jurisprudence (True Legal System) can discover
(Natural & Special Revelation)
3.
Spiritual Law - (Law of Faith) What true theology can come to know
through God's Word (Special Revelation)
Through all these Laws come knowledge of sin (wrongdoing).
Even if you follow these laws you cannot be justified by them, since you are a
sinner (imperfect). You can only be judged by them. Man tries to make up his
own system of laws to shrug off guilt and condemnation, even perhaps to try to
rise above it somehow:
Man's System of Law
1.
Scientism - Leads to half-baked theories and hypothesis
2.
Political Law - Man-made law (Corrupted Legal System)
3.
Humanism/Spiritualism - Leads to atheism and/or idolatry
Man's own system of fabricating laws has only made matters
even worse. We do not have the ability to make up laws since we cannot even
follow those God made! Our own system proves our condemnation and guilt for
sure!
Through God's law we
become aware of sin and our shortcomings before God.
This is why law cannot justify, it can only condemn us. How does it make you feel when the law reveals your sin?
1- Wretched & Miserable
2- Ashamed & Guilty
3- Anger towards God
4- Desire for Reconciliation
Out
of all these emotions only number 4 will propel you towards godly sorrow. The other emotions, even though we may have
them, don't necessarily mean they will produce what God intended the Law to
produce. The guilt and shame that Adam
& Eve felt was a sign of a broken relationship with God. A selfless desire to mend things with God is what
will help us be reconciled. When we sin,
our broken and contrite heart should reflect godly sorrow because we have
disappointed our Heavenly Father, in the same way a child desires
reconciliation when he has disappointed his parents. My sons always seek forgiveness and a renewed
relationship with me when they know they have come short of my glory as a
parent. This kind of sorrow leads to repentance and mercy (2Co_7:10-12).
Romans 3:21
But now a
righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law
and the Prophets testify.
RIGHTEOUSNESS (HIS AND OURS) THROUGH FAITH OF JESUS
Righteousness apart from (the) Law but prophesied through
the Law
Paul now begins to explain the righteousness of God that is
revealed in the Gospel (Rom_1:17): how God makes men right with Himself. This kind of
righteousness was never known before nor could it have been imparted to anyone
unless in special conditions, like prophets, some kings and other men and women
we read about in the Word of God. Forgiveness of sins only had come through
strict obedience of the law and through the sacrifice of animals for their
blood.
The Holy Spirit explains that now, in this time, the
righteousness that you can receive from God is apart from (the) Law, any law,
even though it was prophesied through the Law (Torah). In other words,
the very Law of God upheld and announced the coming of this righteousness
through the Gospel of Jesus though:
Four Great Old Testament
Witnesses to Jesus and the Church: (Coffman)
1.
Verbal Prophecies: numbering some 333 foretelling the coming of Jesus
(Messiah) in exquisite detail and clarity - time and exact place of birth, his
tribe, betrayal by a friend, details of the crucifixion and burial, that he
would not see corruption or his bones would be broken, that he would speak in
parables and that he would be despised and rejected by men are amongst some of
the details foretold.
2.
Typical persons: in the history of Israel were presented to us to set
forth the attitude, character and mission of Jesus. Amongst them: Abraham,
Isaac, Jacob, Judah, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, David, Jonah, Aaron and even
Melchizedek.
3.
The Tabernacle
& The Temple: patterned the ultimate
plan of redemption by blood. The candlestick typified the Word of God, the
table and shewbread the providence of God, the veil the flesh of Christ, the
mercy seat God's mercy and forbearance, etc. Even the design and construction
of the temple represented various aspects of the world, the church and Heaven.
4.
Jewish Ceremonies: like the thank offering, the sin offering, the Passover,
the Day of Atonement, etc, were all fulfilled in Christ: He is our true
atonement, our Passover, having been slain at the very hour the paschal lambs
were being slain.
All these four witnesses taken together provide the most
overwhelming proof of the true identity and authenticity of Jesus. These are
the very things that probably Paul and the other apostles, as well as all the
early Christians before the New Testament was written, used to prove that Jesus
is the Christ, the only begotten of the Father.
Some excerpts of the verbal prophecies:
Deu_30:6
The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the
hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and
with all your soul, and live.
Jer_31:31-33
31 "The time is coming," declares the LORD,
"when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the
house of Judah. 32 It will not be like the covenant I made with their
forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because
they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them," declares the
LORD.
33 "This is the covenant