Day 164, Romans 3
The romance letter continues!
Having established the two errors of religious self-righteousness and presuming universal forgiveness, Paul now highlights the descriptions of humanity’s imperfection in the scriptures. There are about 14 direct quotes (mostly from the Psalms) and you can read the footnotes to reference them. These quotations clearly show that everyone is guilty of sin, and that nobody can claim an excuse (or trust in universal forgiveness). The Law has a purpose: like a medical scanner it reveals the cancer of sin.
But there is a great contrast, a breakthrough of the romance of this letter, when we turn to the gospel of God’s righteousness!
We have all fallen short, but God has come to us in the person of Jesus. We can’t claim righteousness, but we can come to receive mercy! Verse 25 says God passed over the sins of the people before Jesus (see the reference to The Passover?) but now (v26-27) we stand on the righteousness of Jesus. That is a solid foundation that can be trusted forever.
God sees us as righteous (aligned with His perfect standards) when we trust (put our faith in) Jesus, rather than the Law. After all, God is not merely the God of those who tried (and failed) to keep the Law! He’s the God of ALL humanity. He treats us all the same: eliminates our guilt and makes us right with Him by faith, no matter who we are!
Have a great day!
Mark.