Romans 3 begins with an explanation which is fundamental to understanding our status as people. We, as descendants of Adam and Eve, are born into original sin. Some people took that idea to an extreme and reasoned that since we are born sinners and have Jesus, therefore we can continue to sin so that God can poor out even more grace. The freedom we find in Christ is due to the fact that he overcame the law. Not so that there would be lawlessness but so that we could get out from under its burden. If following the law could save us, we would have no need for Jesus. Chapter 3 verses 19- 31 explain all that in much greater detail.
Paul's emphasis on being saved by faith was crucial for the early church and is a battle that is still being fought today. If it were possible for us to do good works to gain favor with God we would never turn to Him, we would just do some good stuff. Being justified by faith is not just a New Testament concept. Paul spends the 4th chapter of Romans explaining that Abraham's (where both Jews and Muslims trace their lineage from) justification was based upon his faith in God rather than obedience.
Reflection Q's...
What does it mean to you to be a Christian?
If our actions (good or bad) don't have any bearing on our place with God, why not live like the rest of the world?
Read 4:19-25
Take some time to write in a journal about what this passage means to you. In what ways is it encouraging? Frustrating?
Chapters 5 and 6 tommorow!
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