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Romans 4:13 – For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith.

We might say that in these next few verses Paul is ‘beating a dead horse’.  In other words, he continues proving that justification before God cannot be through the law, but only through faith. 

It may seem tedious to us to see this over and over in different ways, but it is actually very important because it firmly and fully establishes the doctrine of salvation by faith in Christ, which is the very foundation of the Christian life.  This message needed to be set forth in a manner that could never be questioned or challenged, and Paul does exactly that. 

Again, we must remind ourselves that the early New Testament church had some serious issues with unity between Jews and Gentiles.  If God did not fully and firmly establish that these two groups were both equally sinful in his sight and equally justified in the same manner (apart from the law), we may very easily wound up with two churches – a Jewish one and a Gentile one. 

With this in mind, let’s see what the apostle has to say.

The promise:  The promise in verse 13 is that Abraham would be the heir of the world.  What does that mean? 

It can’t mean that he inherited a title or kingship making him the supreme ruler of the earth, because we know that did not happen.  As far as we know, he didn’t rule over anything other than his own household (and even then, his wife clearly had some influence). 

It can’t mean that his father passed down ownership of vast amounts of land and resources to him, because that didn’t happen either.  As far as we know, the only land Abraham owned was a tiny, insignificant burial cave in the land of Canaan, which he bought from the Hittites (Genesis 23).

How can Paul say that Abraham was heir of the world?

He is indicating that Abraham would be the channel through which the mercy of God would be communicated to the world.  This happens in two ways. 

One, his example of obtaining justification by faith shows the rest of mankind how to obtain that same gift from God. 

Two, he is the ancestor of the Messiah, who is the heir and ruler of the world both physically and spiritually: 

Hebrews 1:2 – …but in these last days he [God] has spoken to use by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 

We might say that Abraham is represented as having the world as his inheritance because it was through his offspring (Jesus) that the whole world obtained mercy and blessing; in a sense he passed that blessing down to future generations as a kind of inheritance. 

We might also say it this way: Heir of the world is equivalent to being the father of many nations; Abraham was the representative of all the believing world and made the heir of an inheritance (justification by faith) which would be made available to the world in general (all who believe, both Jew and Gentile). 

Here is something that will make your day:  As if the blessing of justification weren’t enough, God gives us even more.  In Romans chapter 8, Paul will show that Jesus is the Son of God and he owns all things.  Because he made us children of God too (through justification), then we are considered co-heirs with Jesus!

Romans 8:16-17 – The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God, and if children, then heirs – heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Just let the implication of that sink in for a moment!

To Abraham and his offspring:  The promise was to Abraham and his descendants.  Abraham has two lines of descent.  In the natural realm, the Jews were his physical children/offspring.  In the spiritual realm, all those who grasp the promises of God through faith are his spiritual children/offspring.  

That he would be heir of the world:  An heir is a person who is legally entitled to take possession of an estate after the death of its owner.  An estate can include many things, like money, possessions, land, authority or even titles. 

In this case, the world or the earth is the estate which the offspring of Abraham will inherit.

First, let’s look at this from the viewpoint of Abraham’s physical descendants, the Jews.  If you mentioned ‘inheriting the world’ their minds immediately jumped to their inheritance known as the Promised Land – the choicest spot of ground on earth.  How did they obtain that inheritance?

The first step in giving them this land for an inheritance was to free them from slavery to Egypt.  This deliverance was not accomplished by the power of the Jews; they had absolutely no way to free themselves.  Their only hope for release was to trust/have faith in the promise of God that he would bring them out of Egypt by his might and power, as he said he would:

Exodus 6:6 – Say therefore to the people of Israel, ‘I am the Lord and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from slavery to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment.’ 

Once they were freed by the miraculous power of God, he led them through the wilderness to the land he set aside for them.  He was continuously with them in all of their battles, until they obtained victory and possessed the land:

Exodus 6:8 – ‘I [God] will bring you into the land that I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.  I will give it to you for a possession.  I am the Lord.’

Even a cursory reading of Old Testament history shows that the Jews did not accomplish this victory through their own power, or through their adherence to the law.  If anything, history shows us how unworthy and helpless the Jews were; their victory was obtained only through the mercy and grace of God.  

Now let’s look at this issue from the viewpoint of Abraham’s spiritual descendants, those who accept justification by faith in Christ Jesus.  As you know, events of the Old Testament are shadows or types of God’s plans under the new covenant of the gospel.

For example, slavery in Egypt was a picture of our bondage to sin.  None of the Jews could rescue themselves from the grip of the Egyptians.  In the same way, no person can rescue themselves from sin through their own works or adherence to the law.  The only way for the Jews to be delivered from Egypt was to trust in the promises of God.  The only way for mankind to be delivered from sin is to have faith in the promise of the Redeemer.

In the natural realm, Israel had to fight to obtain the full expanse of the Promised Land.  God assisted them in this fight; victory was obtained through him (Joshua 10:24-25).  In the spiritual realm, Christians fight to expand the kingdom of God on earth:   

Matthew 11:12 – From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force.  

God assists us in this fight; victory is obtained through him. 

The Promised Land was a place that flowed with milk and honey; it was the place of great blessing and peace.  The Promised Land is a type/picture of heaven (Hebrews 11:8-10, 16). 

At the perfect time, God brought the physical descendants of Abraham into possession of the Promised Land.  Likewise, at the perfect time, God will bring the spiritual descendants of Abraham into heaven to be with him, where we will experience full and complete eternal blessings and peace.

Here is the point:  No Jew would ever claim that deliverance from Egypt and possession of the Promised Land came through their own abilities or through perfect obedience to the commands and laws of God.  That would be utter blasphemy.  They acknowledged, without question, that they received these blessings by faith – trusting and leaning on the promises of God.

This example in the natural realm shows that the spiritual offspring of Abraham will receive forgiveness of sin (freedom from the curse of the law) and entrance to heaven by faith in the promised Messiah. 

It works like this:  Step one – faith in the promise of God (justification through the Messiah).  Step two – receiving the imputed righteousness of Christ.  Step three – gaining access to the Messianic kingdom and all its privileges and blessings.

Did not come through the law:  The promise of inheriting the earth did not come through observance of the law; it was independent of both the Mosaic law and the rite of circumcision.  This has already been unquestionably proved by Paul. 

But through the righteousness of faith:  The promise of Abraham’s descendants inheriting the earth can’t be limited to his natural Jewish descendants inheriting Canaan.  That example is far too small to be the complete fulfillment of God’s promise.  Rather, that inheritance in the natural realm was a picture of Abraham’s spiritual descendants who will inherit all things (including heaven) by faith through their relationship to Christ. 

Galatians 3:28-29 – There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.  And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.

So, using the type/shadow/example given in the historical context of the Old Testament, Paul shows that heirship was given to Abraham, not because he deserved it by keeping the law, but because he had faith in the promises of God.  It was faith that justified him in God’s sight.   

Hence, it logically follows that because justification is a matter of faith based only on the goodness and mercy of God, then that benefit must belong to the Gentiles just as much as the Jews. 

Romans 4:14 – For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void.

As we have noted before, faith and works are opposites.  If people could obtain righteousness and life by works/adherence to the law, then faith serves no purpose – it is redundant, useless and futile. 

If salvation is by works, then there is no reason for God’s Son to die a humiliating and painful death on the cross and no reason for men to believe in him.  

As Paul has already proven, you can inherit under the law – but your inheritance will consist of bondage to sin and a sentence of eternal death.  Faith, on the other hand, is the key to the inheritance of life and blessing.  It unlocks grace and grace is open to all mankind, both Jews and Gentiles.

Romans 4:15 – For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression.

Where there is no law, there is no transgression:  Suppose you are driving in through a nearly deserted area, and there is no posted speed limit.  Under those conditions, you could go as fast or slow as you wish, because there is nothing which says you can’t do so.  If there was a police officer nearby, he would not be able to give you a ticket, because you weren’t breaking any speed limit laws.

In the same way, if God had not given us the law, then there wouldn’t be any rules to break, and so there couldn’t be any sin.  If there was no sin, then naturally there couldn’t be any penalty for doing whatever you wanted to do. 

The law brings wrath:  However, as we are all well aware, every city has speed limit laws.  If the speed limit is 35 mph and you choose to drive 70 mph, the authorities can determine that you broke the law.  At that point, they have the right to issue you a citation, which declares your guilt and outlines your punishment (a fine, points on your license, etc).

In the same way, God’s law is important because it establishes the baseline obligations of the moral life God demands of us.  When our actions are compared to his law, our guilt becomes evident and the penalty of the law automatically pronounces judgement against us.

So obviously, the law has limits.  By its very nature, it can only condemn us.  Specifically, the law has the power to do three things:

• One, it uncovers or exposes our sin.  It does this by comparing our lives to the commandments of God.
• Two, it convicts us or pronounces us guilty of breaking God’s laws. 
• Three, it sentences us to the correct punishment – it puts us under the wrath of God which results in spiritual death. 

Simply stated, the thing which condemns us does not have the power to justify us. Because the law condemns the sinner for his transgressions, it can never, ever be the instrument or means of our justification.  It can never, ever offer us grace or mercy.   It can show us what holy living should look like, but it cannot give us the power to live holy lives.

If faith and works of the law are opposites, and the law only has the power to condemn, then by default faith is the sole means of salvation/justification.

Romans 4:16 - Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the descendants; not to those only who are of the law, but to those also who are of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,

Therefore:  In view of the argument or line of reasoning that has been presented in verses 13-15, we can reach a logical conclusion.

It is of faith that it might be by grace:  Justification by faith is the plan which God has devised for the salvation of mankind.  This means that redemption is solely based on God’s grace and mercy; it has nothing to do with our efforts.

To the end:  The reason why justification is by grace and not works is so the promise might be sure and that it might be open to all (see below).

The promise might be sure:   If we obtained the promises of God by works, then we would always be unsure/uncertain if we had them or if we were even able to receive them because of our weakness and failure in adhering to the law.  This would naturally produce uncertainty, fear of failure, inactivity/timidity, and frustration. 

But thankfully, that is not the case.  As Paul once again points out based on the logical arguments presented here, the promise of justification is built upon the foundation of God’s mercy, favor and grace.  Because God never fails or changes, Paul could confidently say that the promise is sure or guaranteed or firmly established.  We never have to wonder about our salvation; it is guaranteed as long as we trust in Christ.

To all descendants, not to those only who are of the law:  By now we have figured out that those under the law are the Jews.  The promise of justification is still open to the Jews, if they are willing to let go of their works and accept it by faith.  The good news is that the gift of righteousness before God is no longer limited just to them. 

But to those also who are of the faith of Abraham:  Since Abraham was justified by faith apart from the law, then Gentiles (who are also apart from the law) can be justified in the same way. 

The father of us all:   Once again, Paul establishes the fact that Abraham is the father of all who believe – both Jews and Gentiles.

And once again, we have cause to marvel at the wisdom and sovereignty of our God! 

He knew there was no way we could be justified by our own efforts.  He also knew that the price of sin must be paid; his holiness and perfection would never allow for anything but complete justice.

By having his Son pay the price of our sin and by giving us the opportunity to embrace Christ’s righteousness through faith, God has perfectly displayed his mercy and grace to us while fully satisfying the requirements of divine justice.

Not only that, his process of justification through faith includes ALL mankind – all those under the law as well as all those outside of his law.  Praise his glorious name!

Let me offer you some encouragement and relief:

Through Christ we have become the children of God, which makes us heirs of all his blessings.  These include his glory (John 17:22), his riches (II Corinthians 8:9) and ‘all things’ (Hebrews 1:2). 

We will ultimately receive the entirety of our inheritance once we reach heaven:

I Peter 1:3-4 – Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you…

So be encouraged today.  In this life you will have difficulties and trials but remember – you are a child of God.  You are precious in his sight, and you will inherit the kingdom of heaven.

Let me offer you some strength:

Abraham was a spiritual example to all his descendants, both physical and spiritual.  You can be the same.  In fact, you probably already are.

If you consider yourself a Christian the people around you (family, friends, colleagues at work, etc.) are watching your life, whether you realize that or not.  This is especially true of those who are not yet Christians. 

They are looking to see if your actions line up with your words.  They are looking to see if faith in Christ produces joy and peace or the same old turmoil and anxiety they have now.  They want to know if prayer really works, or it’s just a farce.  They want to know if the God you serve is 100% dependable or if he only shows up for you occasionally.   

So be aware of your example.  Does your daily life mirror the hope and victory of Christ, or does it reflect the same broken promises found in the world?  Does your conversation line up with the victory Christ procured for us, or do your words reflect defeat? 

No one is perfect all the time.  I understand that, because I fail too.  Nevertheless, today is a good day to remind yourself that you are an Abraham – so let’s strive to be the example that draws others into the kingdom!

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Romans 4:5 – And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness,

In our last study, we discovered that faith and works are opposites.  In verse five, Paul continues his discourse on this same subject.

GENERAL SUMMARY:  If you seek/accept justification by faith in Jesus, you are considered righteous in God’s sight without any help from your works.

The opposite is also true - if you believe you are justified by works, then your faith is useless because it has no effect on your salvation.

But unless you are perfect, you can’t be justified by works of the law.  Most people, when confronted with the facts, will admit they are not perfect.  They need another way to be justified or counted as righteous in God’s sight so they can avoid the penalty of eternal death which the law placed on them. 

The one who does not work:  The one who does not work is the one who does not rely on perfect adherence to the law for their justification.  This was the case for Abraham; God called him when he was an ungodly idolator, yet he was freely justified when he believed in God.  It is also the case for you and I, if we have trusted in Christ as our Savior.

But believes on him:  That is, believes or trusts in God; believes that the Messiah will atone for his/her sin, making them righteous in God’s sight. 

Before we go any further, let’s stop and ask this question:  What is the relationship between faith and righteousness?

It is important to remember that faith is not the cause of our righteousness.  In other words, we don’t ‘earn’ righteousness by faith.  Faith is the means by which we attain or grasp the righteousness which God freely gives us, even though we are not worthy of it.

Who justifies the ungodly:   To be ungodly is to be polluted by sin or wickedness; to be disobedient to God.  All of us are ungodly:

• No human being can be justified by works, because all of us have sinned.  Therefore, if justification takes place at all, it must take place on behalf of the ungodly.
• At the time when God justifies us, he knows full well that we are morally bankrupt.  We deserve none of his favor, yet in his great mercy he resolves to forgive us and welcome us into his family.  Despite our best efforts, we will continue to be ungodly as long as we are in the flesh.
• When God judges, he does not judge as if we were pure.  Rather, he regards us exactly as we are – ungodly sinners who are united by faith to Jesus.  Because of that relationship, God treats us as his children even though we are, have been, and always will be personally undeserving of this favor.

What does this tell us about righteousness?

This means that the righteousness of Christ is not transferred or somehow infused into us so that it is personally ours (moral character is non-transferable).  In other words, until Christ returns, we retain our sinful nature.  Just take a look at the conduct of Christians around you, and you will realize this is true. 

Thus, we find that we (the ungodly) are considered righteous solely because of our relationship with Christ.  On the basis of his sacrifice, God treats us as though we ourselves had obeyed the law or that we are righteous in his sight.

His faith is counted as righteousness:   We often say that eating nourishes us, even though it’s the food (not the act of eating) that gives the nourishment.  The act of eating is the way we receive that nourishment.

In the same way, we often say that we are justified by faith, when in reality we are justified by Christ.  Faith is the way we receive that justification.

Here’s the bottom line - Abraham was an ungodly man, but through faith he became righteous in God’s sight.  Since Jews and Gentiles alike are in the exact same situation (ungodly), both must be justified in the same manner - by faith in Christ.  There is no other way to be justified.

Romans 4:6 - …just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:

GENERAL SUMMARY:  Paul’s main point is that our salvation is, in all cases, dependent upon grace – the undeserved favor of God.  We did nothing to merit it.

He used the example of Abraham to show that the doctrine of salvation by faith was not a new doctrine, but that it was an integral part of the Old Testament.  He will now give another Old Testament example – that of David. 

Here’s why these two examples are so significant:  Abraham lived before the law was given, while David lived after.  This shows that justification by faith began before the law, and it continued even after the law was given.  Justification by faith was NOT replaced with justification by works.

In Psalms 32 David describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness (the righteousness of the Messiah/Mediator/Savior) without any works of merit.    

DIGGING DEEPER:  David also speaks:  Paul now gives another example of justification by faith in the Old Testament.  This time it comes from one of the nation’s most beloved kings – David.

Of the blessing:  The happiness or desirable state/condition of a person.

Of the one to whom God counts/imputes righteousness apart from works:  The happy or desirable state David mentions occurs when God treats a person as righteous (or entitled to his favor), in a way other than conformity to the law (works).

The whole scope of Psalms 32 is to show the blessedness of the person who is forgiven:

Their sins are not charged to their account; they are free from the punishment they deserve. Being thus pardoned, they are treated as though they were righteous.  Such a person is admitted into the favor of God and is treated as though he had not sinned.  He partakes of the benefits of Christ’s atonement and therefore is treated as a friend of God, rather than like a sinner.  

Obviously, those who have Christ’s righteousness are happy/blessed - they are justified from all sin and freed from all condemnation.  They and their service are acceptable to God.  This is only possible by the grace and mercy of God.  It could never be achieved through works.

Romans 4:7-8 – “Blessed are those whose lawless deed are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.”  

GENERAL SUMMARY:  Take a moment and think back to your childhood.  I don’t know about you, but I had parents who had to discipline me and my siblings from time to time for breaking the house rules.  When that happened, it wasn’t uncommon for my mom to delay punishment until she discussed the situation with my dad when he got home from work. 

This meant we (my siblings and myself) had to spend all day under the burden of knowing that punishment was coming.  I can tell you truthfully, that if I could have somehow found a way to be seen as innocent in my mom’s estimation and thus delivered from the punishment I knew was coming, I would have been the happiest kid in the world!

King David is saying something very similar about the spiritual realm.  He declares that anyone who was formerly under the curse of death because of breaking God’s law, is happy when his transgressions are forgiven/hidden because they realize that they are free of the punishment they deserve.  

DIGGING DEEPER:  Blessed are those:   In verses 6-8 Paul references Psalm 32, which was written by King David.  In it, the king speaks of people who are blessed. 

The word ‘blessed’ means holy or consecrated.  It can also mean to be highly favored or to be given undeserved favor and to be blissfully happy and content as a result.  Those who are blessed experience unbridled joy and gladness; they live in a state of felicity.

Whose lawless deeds are forgiven/whose sins are covered:  Let’s remind ourselves of the occasion on which this psalm was penned by David.  As you recall, David had committed sexual sin by having an affair with Bathesheba.  As if that wasn’t grievous enough, he had her husband murdered in order to cover up his sin.  But he couldn’t hide his transgression from God, who sees and knows all things.  Eventually, God sent the prophet Nathan to confront David about his wickedness (II Samuel 12:7).  

David was in absolute misery because of his sin.  Although there were devastating consequences for his actions, his misery was chiefly related to the fact that his sin separated him from fellowship with God.  David knew that he had sinned and he deserved judgement.  He expresses his pain, sorrow, grief and remorse in Psalms 51. 

The good news is that David confessed his sin and repented.  When he received forgiveness, he wrote Psalm 32 which details the joy and gladness he experienced from once again being justified in God’s sight.

Psalms 32 is written in poetic form.  This means that the two phrases quoted by Paul (whose lawless deed are forgiven/whose sins are covered) mean the exact same thing.  Specifically, David deserved the severest punishment, but instead God forgave or covered his sin.

Take note of the exact words that David uses in this Psalm.  Sins are not abolished (annulled or made void), they are forgiven.  This correctly implies that they didn’t just disappear.  The debt we owed was paid in full - by our Redeemer. 

David likens our forgiven sins as something that is covered up or hidden.  Indeed, scripture tells us that God casts our sin behind his back (Isaiah 38:17) and into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:19).  He removes them from his sight which means he will never see or remember them anymore! 

Psalms 103:12 – …as far as the east is from the west, so far does he [God] remove our transgressions from us.

In fact, God not only removes our sin from us, he clothes us with robes of righteousness and garments of salvation:

Isaiah 61:10 – I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness…

Blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin:  This clearly shows what   Paul meant by faith verses works.  No man or woman is capable of living a perfect life – not Abraham, not David, not you and certainly not me!  Therefore, we can never be justified on the basis of our works.  But, praise God, we can place our faith in the atonement of Christ. 

When we do, Christ pays the debt we owed for our sin.  Because the debt is paid, we will never be charged.  We can now appear before the throne of God because he considers us justified/righteous in his sight. 

When this happens to a person, they are eternally happy beyond measure, because they are free from the penalty of eternal death which the law placed upon them. 

Here is something you might find interesting:  Psalm 32 is a ‘maskil’ – a psalm of instruction or understanding.  This Hebrew word is often used in passages that relate to the future of Israel.

In this case, we can see that hundreds and hundreds of years before Paul spoke to the Roman church, Holy Spirit prompted King David to write Israel a memo of understanding which clearly states that man is justified before God by faith, not by works.  How amazing is that?!

Romans 4:9 – Is this blessing then only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised?  For we say that faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness.

GENERAL SUMMARY:  Having proved that the Jews (the circumcised) can only obtain righteousness by the mercy of God, the apostle now goes on to show that the Gentiles (the uncircumcised) are justified in the same way.

In the next few verses, Paul will stress that Abraham was considered righteous in God’s sight before the law was ever given.  Since that is the case, it was impossible for him to have been justified by works of the law. 

Furthermore, if Abraham was justified without conforming to the Jewish law, it logically follows that the Gentiles can also be justified in the same way.

Paul will enlarge that train of thought to show that if Abraham was justified without being circumcised, so can the Gentiles.   

DIGGING DEEPER:  This blessing:  The blessing of being justified or made righteous in God’s sight.

Only for the circumcised or also for the uncircumcised:  The overall question under consideration is this:  Is the blessing of being justified in God’s sight available only to the Jews (the circumcised), or is it available to the Gentiles (the uncircumcised) too?  

Paul uses the terms ‘circumcised’ and ‘uncircumcised’ here because circumcision is essentially the initial work of righteousness according to the law and most Jews trusted in it as a meritorious act.  In other words, the Jews believed that being circumcised made them just in God’s sight. 

For we say that faith was counted to Abraham for righteousness:   Paul used David and Abraham as examples of men who were justified by faith. 

As we know, David lived during the era of the law.  Therefore, the Jews might argue that even though he was justified by faith, works still played some role in his justification.  Or they might argue that you must be circumcised first in order for your faith to be acceptable to God.

Abraham, however, lived before and after the covenant of circumcision was instituted. 

If it could be shown that he was justified after being circumcised, then the Jews would still be able to argue that his justification was the result of a combination of faith and works.

But if it could be shown that he was justified in God’s sight before he was circumcised, this would be undeniable proof that justification is based solely on the mercy/grace of God. 

Romans 4:10 – How then was it counted to him?  Was it before or after he had been circumcised?  It was not after, but before he was circumcised.

GENERAL SUMMARY:  What does the scripture reveal?  Was Abraham considered righteous in God’s sight before or after he was circumcised?

DIGGING DEEPER:  How was it counted to him, before or after he was circumcised?  It was not after, but before: 

Question – What condition was Abraham in when he was justified in God’s sight - was he circumcised or uncircumcised?

Answer – He was uncircumcised!

The timing of these events can be found in Genesis chapters 15-17:

• Abraham was counted as righteous by faith in Genesis 15:6.  At that time, he had no children (Genesis 15:2).
• A year or so later, we find that Hagar gave birth to Ishmael (Genesis 16:15-16).  At that time, Abraham was 86 years old.
• The rite of circumcision was instituted in Genesis 17:10-11.  At that time, Ishmael was 13 years old and Abraham was 99 (Genesis 17:23-26). 

Thus, we find that Abraham was not circumcised until 14-15 years AFTER he was counted as righteous in God’s sight.

Here is the significance of that fact: 

• One – Circumcision plays no part in being justified by faith. 
• Two – Since that is the case, both Jews and Gentiles are equal in God’s sight.  Both are ungodly sinners who can obtain salvation through faith in God’s promise of a Savior. 
• Three - There are no ‘second class citizens’ in the church/family of God (as the Jews believed).  All are equal whether they are circumcised or uncircumcised.

Romans 4:11 – He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised.  The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well…

GENERAL SUMMARY:  Circumcision was not the cause of Abraham’s justification.  It was the sign or seal that testified to the justification he had already received by faith.

God had events unfold this way to show that, from the very beginning, he intended to justify ALL mankind, Jew and Gentile alike, through his mercy and the sacrifice of Christ.

DIGGING DEEPER:  He received the sign of circumcision:  A sign/seal is a visible stamp or impression used to authenticate a contract or official document.  Seals were commonly made by dripping wax onto a document and then molding the wax into an official pattern with a stamp.  The seal or stamp was often worn as a ring on the hand of the king (Esther 8:8, Genesis 41:42, etc.).    

It was vital for the Jews to understand that circumcision could not justify a person in God’s sight.  In other words, it was not the cause of righteousness.  Nevertheless, it had an important purpose.  Circumcision was a visible sign/seal of righteousness by faith. 

Genesis 17:11 – You shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me [God] and you [Abraham/the Jews].

A seal of the righteousness that he had by faith:   Circumcision was a sign/seal to Abraham and his descendants that faith was the means by which sinners could obtain righteousness in God’s sight.

Remember, God promised to bless the world through the offspring of Abraham (Genesis 12 and 15).  This promise included the coming of the Messiah, who would atone for sin.  Justification in God’s sight would come through him.  When Abraham believed or placed his faith in these promises, God declared him righteous (Genesis 15:6).

However, the actual Messiah would not come to earth for hundreds of years.  So, God chose to institute the rite of circumcision, which was a seal or sign that a redeemer would come and through him man would be justified in the sight of God by faith.  It was a sign that was to be passed down to all subsequent generations, until the promise arrived; it was a perpetual reminder of God’s promise of justification by faith. 

We could correctly say that circumcision was a sign/seal of the gospel covenant. 

This brings up another important point:  once the promise had been obtained the sign was no longer necessary.  Circumcision pointed to salvation, but it was not a requirement for being justified.

While he was still uncircumcised:  Circumcision was a sign/seal or reminder that righteousness is obtained by the grace of God through a Redeemer.  It pointed to the promises contained in the gospel.  Righteousness was imputed to Abraham by faith before he was circumcised, to show the Jews that absolutely no works were associated with becoming righteous in God’s sight. 

There was another essential reason as well:

The purpose was to make him (Abraham) the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well: 

Gentiles are referred to as the uncircumcised.  Since Abraham received justification in God’s sight through faith without being circumcised, so can we! 

This makes Abraham the spiritual father of the Gentiles.  Since he is also the clear spiritual father of the Jews, it can rightly be said that he is the father of all who believe.

Romans 4:12 - …and to make him the father of the circumcised who are not merely circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.

GENERAL SUMMARY:  Faithful Gentiles are considered the spiritual children of Abraham.  But this does not negate the privilege of the Jews.  They are Abraham’s children according to the flesh and the spirit too, if they walk in faith.

DIGGING DEEPER:  Father of the circumcised… who also walk in faith:  In the natural, Abraham is the father of all the Jewish people.  In the spiritual realm, he is the father of all those who are justified by faith. 

This means he is the spiritual father of all Gentile believers as well as all Jewish people who embrace (and walk in) faith to justify themselves in the eyes of God.

Let me offer you some encouragement:   

We know that we cannot be justified in God’s sight through works.  Nevertheless, this is not a license to sin.  God still requires us to be as holy as possible:

I Peter 1:16 – Because it is written, you will be holy; for I am holy.

Through the sign of circumcision God indicated the way we were to strive for that holiness - by spiritually cutting off whatever is according to the flesh/against the Spirit.

Although I have no personal experience, I’m going to go out on a limb and assume that circumcision is painful.  We should expect spiritual circumcision to be the same. 

If we are honest, we will admit that we all have sins we enjoy.  We think we can keep them under control or hidden, so there is no real need to prune them from our lives.  We often justify them by pointing out that they are not as bad as the sins of others. 

But this is wrong thinking.  The Jews had to change their thinking about circumcision in the natural realm.  We must change our thinking about circumcision of the heart.  We must face the fact that all sin is an abomination in God’s sight, and it must be cut out of our lives.  

Interestingly, this is not just a New Testament command.  In the book of Deuteronomy Moses spoke of circumcision of the heart (Deuteronomy 10:16), and Paul will enlarge on this topic later in the book of Romans.

Let me offer you some relief:

King David declared that anyone who has been forgiven by God will abound in joy and happiness because they realize they are free from the punishment they deserve.

So whatever else is going on in your life today, you have reasons to rejoice – you have been forgiven and one day you will find yourself in heaven with Jesus!  

Let me offer you some strength:

The life of Abraham teaches us many lessons, but perhaps one of the most important is this:  Faith without works is dead.

There is no question that Abraham was counted as righteous in God’s sight by faith alone.  Yet, the faith he had in those promises affected the way he lived.  He knew he was only a pilgrim wandering in the Promised Land, but he lived as one who was fully persuaded that his offspring would be the owners of it.

Abraham fully believed that Isaac was the son God promised him; the son through whom all of his descendants would come.  In the midst of that faith, he did not flinch at taking his son and offering him as a sacrifice. 

How is your faith reflected in your everyday life?

 

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Romans 4:1 – What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? 

Welcome back to our study of Romans.  At the end of chapter three, Paul concludes that we are justified by faith, not according to the works of the law. 

To you and me, this is a normal, everyday statement which makes perfect sense.  But to the Jews of Paul’s day, it was a bombshell which absolutely rocked their world!  They were completely stunned and shaken up by this revelation. 

Remember, even the Jews within the church had strong, lingering ties to their Jewish roots.  From infancy, they had been taught that their adherence to the Jewish rites and laws were of the utmost importance; these were the things which separated them from all other nations, made them God’s special people, and guaranteed them entrance into God’s kingdom.  It was quite a blow to them when they suddenly discovered that none of these works justified them in the sight of God. 

So, take a moment and put yourself in the place of these early Jewish believers.  Certainly, they were saved through faith in Christ, but just as certainly they had a residual belief that their works somehow played a part in their stance before God.  If you were just firmly confronted with the unyielding truth that your works did nothing to merit your justification in God’s sight, what would your reaction be? 

For many of the Jews their first reaction was disbelief.  Their minds naturally searched for reasons why Paul’s arguments were false and should be abandoned.  One of the first excuses they came up with was that the idea of justification by faith alone was not part of the holy scriptures (Old Testament), so it was not a concept that originated with God and therefore it should be cast aside as a false teaching.  

However, as we saw in chapter three, Paul proved conclusively from the Old Testament writings that justification by faith was not new; it had been there all along.  The Jews were just blind to its existence.  

Habakkuk 2:4 - …the righteous shall live by his faith.

So, to further help them understand and grasp this truth, Paul will now prove his point by giving the Jews true-life examples or illustrations from two of their most revered ancestors – Father Abraham and King David.

Although Paul could have used any number of examples, the two he chose were very strategic.  One of the top points of boasting for the Jew was that he or she was an offspring of Abraham, who was the father of the Jewish faith. 

If Paul could prove that Abraham, a man so famous for works, so eminent in holiness and so consistent in obedience, was justified by faith, then what argument was left to the common Jew?  To claim that they could be justified by works would be to claim that they were superior to Abraham in every way, and no Jew would dare say that!

The case of David was also very compelling.  What Jew did not revere and honor their greatest king, a man after God’s own heart?  If David affirmed that works did not earn justification in God’s sight, the Jews would be forced to admit that Paul was correct.

Deuteronomy 19:15 - One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sins: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.

Before we move on to look at these two examples, let’s just take a moment to address the reasons why this concept was so important to the early church. 

First, as we already mentioned, the Christian Jews in the Roman church were true believers, yet they had lingering assumptions that works also played a part in their salvation.  It was important for this false idea to be rooted out of the church in its early stages.

Secondly, for every Jewish believer in the church, there were many more Jews who did not accept Christ as the Messiah.  Without a doubt, every Jewish Christian had members of their own family who had disowned them for ‘abandoning’ their Jewish faith.  These Christians needed to understand the full argument for justification by faith so they could impart this truth to others, when given the chance.  They needed to be able to defend their Christian beliefs.

Third, because the early Christians were ostracized by their fellow Jews, they needed full assurance in their hearts and minds that they were truly justified in God’s sight. (The Jews had very strong family ties.  Imagine how awful it would be to be disowned by your family because you were a Christian.)

Finally, in the early church it was common for the Jews to consider the Gentiles as a kind of ‘second class citizen’ in the kingdom of God.  This viewpoint was the result of their national identity, which was centered on works.  In order for the Jews to realize that everyone in the church was an equal child of God, they needed to understand that acceptance rested on God’s grace alone, not on works.

DIGGING DEEPER:  What then shall we say:  In other words, in the case of faith verses works, what can we conclude based on the testimony of Abraham?

Abraham our forefather:  As you well know, Abraham was considered the father of the Jewish nation and rightly so, for he was called to that role by God himself:

Genesis 12:1-2 - Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get you out of your country, and from your kindred, and from your father's house, unto a land that I will show you: and I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing:

Abraham was revered by the Jews not only as the head of the nation, but as the one to whom the rite of circumcision was given (Genesis 17:9-11).  The Jews considered it an honor to be his descendants.  In fact, they regularly boasted about being the children of Abraham (Matthew 3:9, Luke 3:8, John 8:39, Acts 13:26, etc.).

As the most revered patriarch of the nation, any argument drawn from his example would have been very forceful in the minds of the Jews.  Because Abraham is also the father of the Gentiles (many nations – Genesis 17:4-5), his example was also very important and influential in the thinking of the Gentile believers. 

So, we find that Paul uses the example of Abraham as a pattern of righteousness which is common to the whole church.  If he was pardoned by faith, then his offspring, both Jew and Gentile should expect the same. 

According to the flesh:  What is Paul referring to when he uses the word ‘flesh’? 

Some bible commentators believe he is speaking specifically about circumcision, while others believe he is talking about natural earthly strength and wisdom.  Still others believe he is talking about obedience to the law or works.  Based on the current topic, the third answer would be most likely, although all three could be correct.

What has Abraham found:  By asking this question, Paul invites the reader to consider what they know about Abraham and discern for themselves how he was justified in God’s sight.

Paul’s question might be rephrased this way:  What did Abraham discover about being justified in God’s sight?  Did it come from being circumcised, or through his own strength/wisdom or by obedience/adherence to the law (works)? 

The apostle is confident that after examining the facts, the unbiased reader will admit that their most beloved ancestor was not justified by any of these things, but exclusively by faith.

It stands to reason that if that was the case for Abraham, then his offspring will need to be justified in the same manner – by faith alone.

Romans 4:2 – For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.

GENERAL SUMMARY:  However high and honorable Abraham was in the mind of the Jews (mankind), in the eyes of God he was nothing more than a sinner.

DIGGING DEEPER:  If Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about: 

In the minds of the Jews, Abraham had some basis for boasting.  By all human accounts, he lived a pious life of obedience and service to God.  His devotion to God was so great, he was willing to offer his beloved son Isaac as a sacrifice to God (Genesis 22).  He was the one who entered into the initial covenant with God (Genesis 15); he was the one who received the rite of circumcision as a sign of that agreement (Genesis 17).  There is no doubt he was supernaturally blessed by God.

So honestly, maybe he did have reasons to boast - with respect to other people.  Maybe he was the most righteous man of his generation.  Maybe he was the most obedient and the most faithful and the most humble.  But even then, he had no basis for boasting in God’s sight. 

But not before God:  Regardless of what mankind thought of Abraham, God (who knows/sees all things, even the hidden things of the heart) knew that Abraham was a sinner just like every other human being.  As a sinner in God’s sight, he was under the same curse of the law, and the same sentence of spiritual death as everyone else.

In other words, all of Abraham’s works and obedience and faithfulness were not enough to justify him in the sight of God and therefore, he had no reason to boast.

The reverse is also true - if Abraham had no grounds for boasting, then he was not justified by his works (or by his own strength/wisdom or by circumcision). 

So, if Abraham was justified in the sight of God, and that justification was not the result of works, on what basis was he justified? 

Answer:  Abraham was justified by faith.

Romans 4:3 – For what does the Scripture say?  “Abraham believed God and it was counted to him as righteousness.”

GENERAL SUMMARY:  Paul will show that scripture, the ultimate source of all truth, testifies that Abraham was justified (counted as righteous) in God’s sight through faith.

DIGGING DEEPER:  What does Scripture say:   In any discussion, it is essential to have some common ground on which a debate can be launched. 

For example, if we were discussing whether cats or dogs make better pets, we might start with the common belief that all pets are beneficial. 

Since Paul and his fellow Jews were in complete agreement that the Scriptures were the divine source of all truth, they were not only common starting ground for discussion, they could also be used as the final authority in all earthly matters.  Given this, it’s not surprising that Paul used the scriptures to prove his assertion that Abraham was justified by faith and not by works:

Genesis 15:6 – And he [Abraham] believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.

Abraham believed God:   In Genesis chapters 12, 13, and 15 God makes a number of promises to Abraham.  In chapter 15, God specifically promises that he will be Abraham’s shield and great reward (Genesis 15:1).  God also promises that he will give Abraham an heir from his own body (Genesis 15:4), that he would multiply Abraham’s descendants (Genesis 15:5) and that all nations of the world (Jew and Gentile) would be blessed through his seed/offspring.  This last promise is extremely important.

We know that when God promised to bless the entire world through Abraham’s seed, he was referring to Jesus Christ, the Messiah of the world, who was born through the natural lineage of Abraham. 

Galatians 3:16 – Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring.  It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “and to your offspring,” who is Christ.

The purpose of the Messiah’s coming was to atone for our sin on the cross and thus provide the way for us to be justified in the sight of God.

The key point is this – when Abraham believed God, he was embracing, or placing his faith, in the fact that God was going to send a Messiah into the world to justify sinners in his sight.  He may or may not have known that Jesus was that Messiah, but he definitely understood that a Messiah was coming.

Galatians 3:8 – And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.”   

Because of Abraham’s belief (the exercise of his faith), in this promise, God treated him as a righteous or justified man.

The Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary puts it this way: “… Abraham believed in the promises which embraced Christ, just as we believe in Christ himself; and in both cases, faith is the instrument or means by which we receive the righteousness of Christ and are thus justified before God.” 

We might also phrase it this way: Abraham’s faith in the promises of God included the promise concerning the Messiah, so by believing God, he was also believing in the coming of the Savior, who would justify mankind by faith, not by works. 

There can be no doubt that Abraham understood and believed in the Messiah, because Jesus himself tells us it was so:

John 8:56 – Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my [Jesus’] day.  He saw it and was glad.

Based on the divine authority of scripture, the only conclusion that can be reached is that the righteousness of Abraham was not earned by his works; it was imputed or attributed to him through his faith in the Messiah.  Therefore, he had no basis for boasting.

This was a wake-up call for the Jews.  If their most revered ancestor was not justified by works but by faith in the righteousness of the coming Messiah, they must seek to be justified in the same way.

Romans 4:4 – Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due.  

GENERAL SUMMARY:  Paul now proceeds to state his case in another way.  He uses the analogy of human work to help explain his point. 

When you work, your employer is legally bound to give you what you have earned, whether they want to or not.  Gifts are a different matter.  The giver has full control of the gift.  They are not under any obligation to even give a gift, but if they decide to, they determine what to give, when to give it, how much to give, and who to give it to. 

Here is the parallel:  If mankind were justified by works, God would be under an obligation to mankind.  He would owe us justification whether he wanted to give it to us or not.  Fortunately, that can never be the case.  Justification is a gift from God to us; he is in full control of it.

DIGGING DEEPER:  To the one who works:  We are all familiar with work.  In the employee/employer relationship, there is a legal obligation for the company to pay you the wages you were promised for any work you performed.  If they don’t pay you, you can take legal action against them.   

In the spiritual realm, the ‘one who works’ is a person who strives to keep the laws and commands of God with the intention of earning justification through the work he or she has done. 

His wages:  That which is earned; in this case justification and/or righteousness in God’s sight.

Are not a gift, but his due:  If, by some chance, there was a person who perfectly kept the laws and commands of God, then God would be under an obligation to give them what they “earned” – justification/righteousness.

The justification they received would come on the basis of wages – something earned by the worker.  Since the person worked for what they are receiving, it is not a gift – it is their due.  In this scenario, God would be under an obligation to justify them in his sight.

Now let’s apply this principle to the subject at hand.  If Abraham had been justified by his works, the justification he received would have been a payment of what God owed him.  If that was the case, then his belief in God’s promises would have had absolutely no part in his justification, and his faith would have been useless.

But that was not the case.  The righteousness attributed to Abraham was an act of grace (a gift) on the part of God.      

Simply stated, grace and works are opposites.  If you earn salvation through works, then it can’t be on the basis of grace.  On the other hand, if you receive the gift of grace, then it is not something owed to you for works. 

Just to be clear, Paul is expressing a general truth in regard to works.  He is NOT confirming that anyone has actually ever received salvation by conformity to the law and thus saved by their own merits.  He made that perfectly clear in Romans 1-2.

Let me offer you some encouragement and some relief:

As human beings, we often forgive imperfectly.  What I mean is this:  We say we forgive the person who offended or hurt us, but we treat them like we are still angry with them. 

Have you ever forgiven a friend, but then turned around and ignored them for a couple of days just to show them how displeased you were?   

Has your spouse ever expressed forgiveness for a comment you made, but then kept reminding you of your mistake over and over (sometimes in front of other people)? 

You get the picture – we forgive, but we still treat the offender differently than we did before.

So let me give you some encouragement and relief – God isn’t like us at all!

When God forgives us, it means full and complete reconciliation.  Scripture says that God casts our sins into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:18-19) which means he doesn’t remember them against us anymore. 

God delights in mercy; once we are forgiven, he treats us as if we had never sinned in the first place.  He does not continually remind us of our failures or give us the ‘cold shoulder’ for a season. 

If you are hearing about your past mistakes over and over again, that is coming from the enemy not your heavenly Father.  So, tell him to ‘get lost’ and begin to rejoice in the complete forgiveness God has given you.   

Let me offer you some strength:

Today’s study is focused on receiving justification in God’s sight by faith.  But let’s take a broader view for a moment: ALL of God’s promises are received that way. 

What promises are you trying to receive from God?  Are you looking for healing, or for restoration of a relationship, or a breakthrough in your ministry? 

Whatever the case may be, you will need to grasp that promise by faith and allow it to take root in your mind and heart before you see it come to pass. 

Search the scriptures to find out what God has promised to you in the covenant.  Then, meditate on these scriptures, mulling them over in your mind.  Read them over many times.  Think about them when you are going to sleep.  Quote them to yourself (speak them out loud).  Pray them over yourself.  Allow your eye of faith to see them coming to pass in your life. 

No matter how long it takes, don’t give up!  Faith is always rewarded; at the proper time, God will honor his promise!   

 

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Romans 3:26 – It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

In our last post, we discussed mankind’s misconception that God didn’t really take sin seriously, because if he did, we all would have been punished by now. 

Paul refuted that claim by showing that God, in his great mercy, exercised forbearance – he temporarily withheld the punishment we deserved until he sent Jesus into the world as a sacrifice/atonement/ransom for our sin.

The death of Christ proves that the penalty of sin was not eliminated; it was completely satisfied. 

GENERAL SUMMARY:  God clearly displays his righteousness in the gospel dispensation.  He executes perfect justice by requiring the full payment for sin as required by the law, but at the same time he is able to pardon anyone who believes in Jesus.  This gives us a clear picture of God’s mercy and justice being in perfect balance. 

In other words, because Jesus was the atonement (ransom price) for the sin of the world, God can pardon every soul that believes on Christ without violating his perfect justice.

DIGGING DEEPER:  To show his righteousness at the present time:  The ‘present time’ refers to the gospel dispensation which is also called the age of grace.  This age began when Jesus died and rose again, and we are still living in it today.

As Paul mentioned earlier in this chapter, salvation was not a new concept or plan.  Although somewhat obscured, it was an integral part of the Old Testament.  It was in place before the creation of earth:

I Peter 1:18-20 - …you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.  He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you…

Paul is explaining that all generations had at least some evidence of the righteousness of God (plan of salvation), but now with the coming of Jesus, it was openly revealed.  We might say that God’s righteousness appeared brighter and clearer when the Son of righteousness arose. 

He might be just:  God is now, has always been, and will eternally continue to be just.  In times past, his justice was not necessarily seen or recognized by mankind.  But now that it has been openly revealed, we can better understand it.  Let’s examine this further.

God’s justice required payment for sin.  What would happen if God just ‘wiped out’ our sentence of guilt and its accompanying punishment?

If God simply forgave sinners without penalty, then justice would not be served; it would essentially be abandoned.  If justice is abandoned, the law ceases to have any authority because the guilty would no longer be punished for breaking it.  This would render the law worthless.

Think of it this way:  Let’s suppose your city has a law that says there is a 10-year prison sentence for arson.  As long as the city continues to enforce that penalty, arson will be rare.  But if the city stops prosecuting this crime, pretty soon everyone will be doing it, because there is no penalty.  They can just burn down their garage or house anytime and collect the insurance money!

So, ignoring our sin is not an option (in reality, it never was anyway, because God is always perfectly just and he can’t change).  Instead, our amazing heavenly Father came up with a way to spare us while still being true to his just nature.  

By making Jesus a substitute for us, God continues to be just and righteous by enforcing the penalties of the law.  Under his plan of salvation, every violation of the law (every sin you or I commit) still produces a penalty which results in suffering and death.  In this way, God upholds the integrity of the law; it cannot be broken with impunity.

The end result is that God proves himself to be true to his own laws while also being a hater of sin, and a just God. 

God’s perfect plan ensures that no principle of justice has been abandoned, no threat or penalty of judgment has been modified, and no guilty person has escaped.  God is just and moral, true to his own self, to his Son, and to the universe whether he pardons a repentant sinner or sends a rebellious soul to hell.

And the justifier of the one:  This is the amazing part of the gospel.  In addition to his justice being perfectly fulfilled, God displays his perfect mercy by providing the sacrifice which his justice required.  Our God, who is perfectly holy and righteous, can pardon sinners and make them innocent in his sight while still maintaining his pure and holy character. 

That has faith in Jesus:  The one who places their faith in Christ experiences God’s forgiveness.  This is in contrast to the one who attempts to depend upon his own works for salvation - that person will certainly fall under the wrath of God.

This passage shows us the breathtaking perfection of our God.  He is inconceivably rich in bestowing his mercy upon us while at the same time he is rigidly inflexible in his justice/vengeance.  The gift of grace and the sword of justice each exercise their full scope and power.  The holiness of God’s nature and government are not only maintained but magnified in this public display.

As for us, we are not only spared from eternal death but admitted into his kingdom as his children!

This is the full discovery of God’s righteousness:  He has a method by which he can show his perfection in both justice and mercy, while still honoring/magnifying his law and saving a lost and dying world.

Hallelujah!

Romans 3:27 – Then what becomes of our boasting?  It is excluded.  By what kind of law?  By a law of works?  No, but by the law of faith.

GENERAL SUMMARY:  In verse 27 Paul is again anticipating and refuting an objection that the Jews would raise if they were with him in person. 

The Jews were indeed the people of God, and as such they enjoyed exclusive access to certain privileges (like circumcision, being stewards of the law, etc.).  They boasted about having these privileges and about their service/works according to the law.  However, Paul has just proven that no one can be justified by works of the law.  Justification can only be obtained by faith in Christ. 

In the remainder of this chapter Paul will show that justification by faith puts a stop to boasting by laying stress not on works of the law (which were the proper fulfillment of the old covenant), but by laying stress on faith, which is the proper fulfillment of the new covenant of Jesus Christ. 

In other words, since all have sinned and all are justified freely by the unmerited favor of God, the Jews have no reason to boast of their own righteousness.

Furthermore, since faith is the true means of justification as opposed to the law, it is open both to Jews and Gentiles.  All people are treated equally under grace; there is no longer and advantage to being Jewish.

DIGGING DEEPER:   Boasting… is excluded:  boasting is excluded for the Jews. As we already noted, the Jews were given to pride and boasting about their exclusive privileges as God’s people. 

Plainly stated, Paul is telling the Jews that a new era has commenced.  Sinners are saved by grace through faith, not by works or by privilege.  This means that the Jews have nothing in which they can trust for acceptance in the sight of God.  The law won’t do it, circumcision won’t do it, abstaining from pork won’t do it, being a descendant of Abraham won’t do it, and neither will the observance of festivals or temple offerings. 

Likewise, boasting is excluded for the Greeks/Gentiles.  They were particularly pleased with (and often placed their trust in) their philosophy, wisdom, learning, self-sufficiency, and authority/power.

But Paul has just blown up the foundation of their pride too.  Since all (Jew and Gentile alike) have sinned and are incapable of being saved by works and since all are dependent upon the mercy of God and the work of Christ for salvation, there is no basis for boasting. 

Not by the law of works:  The law of works is the written law that the Jews formerly relied on.  Interestingly, their boasting was not excluded on that basis, for if they were somehow able to fully/perfectly abide by it, they would have been justified by their own works.  They would have had every reason to be proud if their salvation could be procured by human virtue and goodness. 

The law of faith:  Boasting is excluded by the law of faith.  The law of faith admits that we have no ability to make ourselves righteous in God’s sight.  Salvation is obtained solely by the atoning work of Christ and our faith in his blood.  Therefore, since forgiveness is obtained only by the mercy of God, the door of boasting and pride is shut.

Ephesians 2:8-9 – For by grace you have been saved through faith.  And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Romans 3:28 – For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.

GENERAL SUMMARY:  Based on the arguments Paul has made from chapter one until now, we can be sure that justification in the sight of God is not obtained by works but by faith.

DIGGING DEEPER:  For we hold:  Your translation may say ‘therefore we conclude’.  Paul is arguing that based on the well-reasoned and logical arguments that have been presented thus far, we can correctly and confidently conclude that mankind is justified apart from works of the law.

One is justified by faith:  All who are regarded and treated as righteous by God have obtained that favor through faith in Christ.  

Apart from works of the law:  In general, mankind has a tendency to depend upon our own works to earn acceptance in the sight of God.  But as Paul has logically proven, this is false hope. 

At this point, we are going to take a slight detour in our study to look at a related issue.  Paul maintains that we are justified solely by faith apart from works, however, the apostle James tells us that faith without works is dead:

James 2:26 – For as the body apart from the Spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.

How can we reconcile these two seemingly opposite statements?  What is the relationship between faith and works?

First off, let’s be clear on one point – Paul and James are not in disagreement.  They are discoursing on two different aspects of faith and works. 

Paul is writing to show that justification in the sight of God happens purely by faith.  Our works could never play a role in our justification. 

James is not writing to reveal how people are justified, but how others (chiefly sinners) can recognize that Christians are justified.  In other words, James is showing that a person’s faith or righteousness is proven by the good works they are naturally prompted to do after receiving justification in God’s sight.    

Despite what you may hear some critics say, there is no inconsistency between the doctrines of faith presented by Paul and James.

Romans 3:29 – Or is God the God of Jews only?  Is he not the God of Gentiles also?  Yes, of Gentiles also…

GENERAL SUMMARY:  The Jews had long believed that they were the exclusive people of God and only they were eligible to receive his favor.  They had a very difficult time accepting the fact that God was opening up his family to include the Gentiles.

DIGGING DEEPER:  Is God the God of the Jews only:  Have you ever heard the phrase ‘national identity’?  A national identity refers to a sense of belonging between citizens that is based on common beliefs, traditions, values and even language.  These factors are an invisible bond that helps holds the nation together. 

Considering the history of the Jewish nation, we can see how they needed a very strong national identity (and the intervention of God) in order to survive.  After all, what other people group experienced national enslavement, escaped enslavement to live in a land inhabited by other strong cultures, eventually formed a monarchy which they subsequently lost, went into captivity, exited captivity, and were disbursed throughout the world but remained a distinct people group hundreds of years later? 

The answer is none!  Without a strong national identity and the help of God, the Jews would have been assimilated into other nations and ceased to exist long, long ago.

The point is that the national identity of the Jews was a strong bond which united them while keeping them separate from others.  This was necessary for their survival as a nation.

The Jewish national identity involved things like the rite of circumcision, the tabernacle/temple, their feasts, and the strong belief that they were the exclusive people of God who were stewards of his law.

God of the Gentiles also:  Every Jewish person was brought up with this strong national identity.  Imagine being part of the generation of Jews who were alive during Paul’s day, who had to let go of that identity and accept a new role – being part of the family of God along with Gentiles.  For the Jew, this was almost unthinkable.

But God’s plans were much, much bigger than the Jews imagined.  Just because God chose, for a time, to have one particular nation be his representative, that did not negate his original plan to admit all of mankind into his kingdom/family.  The time had come to open up the kingdom to ‘whosever will’.   

Thus, we find that Paul’s new covenant doctrine clearly shows that ALL (Jews and Greeks/Gentiles) were equally guilty of sin and equally eligible to be justified by faith.

Romans 3:30 - …since God is one – who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised by faith.

GENERAL SUMMARY:  Paul uses the unity of God (the trinity) to argue that the same God who made both Jews and Gentiles will unite them under himself by means of the same faith and same atoning sacrifice.  There will be one united family of God.

DIGGING DEEPER:  God is one -  God is revealed to us as a trinity.  There are three persons in the Godhead (Father, Son and Holy Spirit), yet God is one in nature and essence. 

Paul contends that exclusion of the Gentiles from the family of God would be incompatible with the very nature of God which is that of unity.  Furthermore, if the God of the Jews is not the God of the Gentiles too, then either there is more than one God or else God is divided.  Since we know neither of these things can be true, we would expect God to allow the Gentiles into his kingdom by the same methods and requirements as the Jews, and that is exactly what we find.

Under the new covenant, God has eliminated all differences between the Jew and the Gentile:

Ephesians 2:13-15 – But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off [Gentiles] are made near by the blood of Christ.  For he is our peace, who has made both [Jews and Gentiles} one, and has broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; to make in himself of two one new man, so making peace…

God has eliminated the division between Jews and Gentiles because he desires to create one, single, unified church, which is the body of Christ. 

So we find that neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has an effect upon justification by faith; it is the same God who justifies both, and the means of their justification (the righteousness of Christ obtained by faith) is also the same (Philippians 3:8-9).

Romans 3:31 – Do we then overthrow the law by this faith?  By no means!  On the contrary, we uphold the law.

GENERAL SUMMARY:  The Jews might object that the law of faith voids the written law, rendering it vain or useless.  Their question might be phrased this way:  Did the law of justification by faith remove the obligations of the law?  If so, it cannot be of God and should be rejected.  

DIGGING DEEPER:  First of all, we should note that in this passage of scripture Paul is giving his readers a revelation of the glory of the gospel – specifically, the atoning work of Jesus Christ which both pays the full penalty for sin while setting the sinner free by his imputed righteousness. 

The Jews were sure to object that justification by faith makes the law void or useless and our obligation to it is thus destroyed.  Here at the end of chapter three, Paul answers that objection only briefly.  He emphatically denies that justification makes the law void and gives only a cursory answer as to why.  But that is okay, because he presents a full argument/discussion of this topic in chapter six. 

Do we overthrow the law by faith:  This is a question that has been raised over and over again since the gospel was introduced.  Many people have suggested that the law of justification gives people a license to sin; in fact, they believe it encourages sin because forgiveness is guaranteed.  By doing so, it voids the law.

By no means:  Paul very emphatically denies the tendency of justification to promote further sin and to make the law null and void.   

On the contrary, we uphold the law:  Bible commentators disagree on exactly what Paul means by the term law. 

Most believe Paul is speaking of the moral law.  As you well know, the ceremonial law (keeping the Sabbath, temple sacrifices, circumcision) was abolished by the gospel.  However, our obligation to God’s moral law (do not steal, do not murder) is still in effect.  

Others believe that he means the whole law, since Christ was the fulfillment of all the ceremonies of the law.

In either case, the apostle maintains that the law has been abolished as a means of justifying us by works, but in all other respects it still stands; Christians lie under the strongest obligation to both righteousness and obedience.

We will cover this more in detail later on, but for now we can point to the example of Christ.  Jesus honored and respected the law throughout his life.  His death proved that God was determined to inflict the penalty for breaking it.  His suffering shows the evil of disobeying the law, and strongly motivates us to obedience.

Let me offer you some encouragement, relief and strength:

Today’s post reiterates the fact that God’s Son paid the full atonement price for our sin, allowing us to walk away free - released from the bondage of our mistakes and failures.  As a result, thankfulness and love for God no doubt well up within our hearts.  That love overflows and manifests itself in praise, worship and (perhaps more importantly) obedience:

John 14:15 – If you love me [Jesus], you will keep my commands.

John 14:21 – Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me [Jesus].

I John 5:3 – For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments.  And his commandments are not burdensome.

According to Jesus, our love for him is displayed in our obedience to his commands.  Also according to Jesus, the greatest command is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength (Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30).  We generally don’t dispute that command, especially when we are mindful of all that God has done for us.

But what about the second greatest commandment – to love your neighbor as yourself?  We often struggle with this command, especially when it involves forgiveness.

In Matthew 18:21-35 Jesus gives us the parable of the unforgiving servant.  Basically, there was a servant who owed his master more than he could pay.  The master ordered him and his family to be sold into slavery to satisfy the debt.  But the servant begged for mercy.  The master ended up releasing him and forgiving his entire debt.

Obviously, we see the spiritual parallel between God and ourselves – we had a debt of sin we could not pay and in his great mercy, God provided a way for us to be released from the bondage of that debt (see Romans 1-3).

But as the parable continues, Jesus tells us that the forgiven servant went out and found a colleague who owed him a negligible amount of money.  When the second man asked for mercy, the first servant refused and had him thrown into prison. 

In the end, the master became enraged at the behavior of the first servant, reinstated his debt and delivered him to the jailers. 

Jesus ends the parable by saying this:

Matthew 18:35 – So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.

Wow.  That is a strong statement.  With that in mind, it’s a good time to examine our own lives and make sure that our love for God is manifesting in obedience to the commandment to forgive.

If we are honest, we will admit that forgiveness is one of the hardest things we are called to do, especially when we must forgive someone who doesn’t deserve it.  Nevertheless, there are many good reasons for forgiving others.

The number one reason why we should forgive others is, as the parable shows, because God has forgiven us. 

Colossians 3:13 - …bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

Jesus was wronged multiple times in his life, yet he always forgave.  Even on the cross, he requested that those who crucified him would be forgiven for their actions (Luke 23:34).  Keep in mind, he said this while hanging on the cross paying for the forgiveness we now enjoy.  How does that compare to the wrong you have suffered?

Another good reason to forgive others is that it frees you from the poison of bitterness, resentment and even hate (Ephesians 4:31-32) which the enemy wants to sow into your life.  Satan’s only interest in you is to steal, kill and destroy.  Don’t give him the chance – forgive.  By choosing to forgive, you release hurt and resentment and give the Lord an opportunity to heal the damage that was done to you.

Yet another reason to forgive is that forgiveness preserves relationships.  Think of this in the realm of marriage.  If you are continually keeping a record of offenses, it won’t be long until you are headed for divorce.  But where there is immediate forgiveness, the air is clear and love binds the husband and wife together.  This principle holds true for other relationships as well. 

Not only that, mental health experts tell us that unforgiveness robs you of energy and takes a toll on your body and mind, often resulting in anxiety, depression and stress. 

The reasons to forgive just go on and on but let me leave you with this final thought:  We need to forgive for our own good. 

Professional and pastoral advice/guidance can certainly assist you in the journey of forgiveness.  But in the end, healing and release come from our loving Heavenly Father through the work of Holy Spirit.  What seems impossible for you, is possible with him.

 

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Romans 3:22 - …the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.  For there is no distinction:

Our last post ended with a profound, well documented statement from Paul:  God had now revealed a way for mankind to be righteous in his sight!  This righteousness, which was woven into the fabric of the Old Testament, was completely separate from the law. 

Let’s take a closer look at the righteousness which gives all of us reason to rejoice!     

GENERAL SUMMARY:  Paul stated that purpose of the gospel was to reveal God’s plan of justification.  Although this plan seemed new, it had been designed before the foundation of the world.  It was just now being revealed to mankind.  

Paul then goes on to show that those who seek justification by faith will be rewarded with salvation regardless of their race, nationality, sex, age, social position, individual history, former sins or any other distinctive factor.

DIGGING DEEPER:  The righteousness of God:  This refers to what we commonly call the plan of salvation; it is God’s way of making mankind righteous in his sight through their faith in Jesus Christ.

It is called the righteousness of God because the plan has its source in God alone.  It is declared to be by grace which means it is the result of divine favor, free and undeserved by anyone.  This distinguishes it from justification by works which is of human origin (and an utter failure).    

Through faith in Jesus Christ:  God’s plan for salvation is by faith in Christ.  Faith is the means by which we can receive God’s pardon and salvation.  

Think of it this way:  Paul has proved that we cannot be righteous by our works.  We need the help of God himself.  By contrast, Christ lived a perfect, sinless life.  He was righteous in the sight of God.  According to God’s merciful plan, when we put our faith in Christ, his perfect righteousness is transferred to us, making us righteous in God’s sight too. 

Scholars often phrase it this way: The effectual cause of salvation (the power to make it happen) is the mercy of God, the foundational cause (the basis for it) is the righteousness of Christ, and the instrumental cause (the tool by which we grasp it) is our faith in him.

But wait… there’s more!  Once we have received salvation, we are entitled to claim the limitless number of promises contained in the bible.  However, many of these promises are conditional – we are required to meet some standard in order to receive them. 

That sounds straight forward enough, but the truth is that while we are saved, we are still far from perfect.  Our service to God is often flawed, inadequate or even defective. 

However, the imperfections of our efforts are covered by the blood of Christ, just as we ourselves are.  In other words, God rewards our works as being perfect, because their defects are covered by our free pardon.  This means that the promises of God (which are conditional) can still be ours even despite our flaws/failures.  It also means that despite our inadequacies, God will bless our works and cause them to bear fruit in his kingdom.  Hallelujah!

For all who believe, for there is no distinction:  Paul tells us that the plan of salvation is for ALL:

• The plan of salvation is sufficient for all. 
• The plan of salvation is equally necessary for all. 
• The plan of salvation is offered to all.   

Nevertheless, there will be individuals who are not saved.  They will spend eternity in the lake of fire with their father the devil:

Matthew 25:41 – Then he [Jesus] will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’

How can this be, if salvation is for all?  

A careful reading of the text shows that salvation is for all WHO BELIEVE.  So, we find that in order to receive the promise, it must be accepted or embraced by each individual.  Sadly, there will be some who refuse to do so.  Thus, we find that even though salvation is open to all, not all will be saved/justified in God’s sight.

The King James version translates this verse a bit more clearly.  It says that the righteousness of God by faith in Christ is ‘unto all and upon all them that believe’.  The phrase ‘unto all’ indicates that salvation is available to anyone.  The phrase ‘upon all them that believe’ clearly indicates that each person must make a clear choice to both believe and trust in the blood of Christ for the remission of their sins.

Belief - In order to receive the righteousness of Christ, you must have a belief in the scriptural testimony concerning Jesus - that he is the Son of God and the long-awaited Messiah, the one appointed to be the Savior of mankind.   

Trust – There must also be a trust or confidence in Christ as our personal Savior.  This is not merely an intellectual assent; it is a trust that springs from the heart.  It signifies a personal relationship between Christ and the sinner.

Romans 3:23 - …for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

All have sinned:  All humans have been born with the guilt of Adam upon us; that sin is inherent to our nature and we cannot escape it.  From that fallen nature spring sins of all kinds and degrees.

All …fall short:  Though people differ greatly in the nature and extent of their sins, there is no difference between the best and the worst in the sight of God, because even the smallest infraction of the law places a person under the wrath and judgment of God.

Of the glory of God:  Although there are differences of opinion on what Paul means when he says, ‘the glory of God’, he is most likely referring to praise that can be conferred/obtained in this life, as opposed to a benefit of eternity.  That being the case, he means the praise or approval which comes from God:  

John 12:42-43 – Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him [Jesus], but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.

No human being (except Jesus) is deserving of the praise of God, for none of us can meet his holy standards.

Romans 3:24 - …and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

GENERAL SUMMARY:  Paul has made it very clear in the first three chapters of Romans that everyone is guilty of breaking God’s laws.  Because of our guilt, we are automatically separated from God and sentenced to eternal punishment/death. 

However, by virtue of the death and resurrection of Christ, mankind is eligible to receive an astonishing gift – justification by faith.  In other words, when we trust in Christ we are judicially/legally acquitted of all charges and therefore discharged from the guilt and punishment that our sin required.  Because of the sacrifice of Christ, we are declared to be righteous before God.  

DIGGING DEEPER:  Justified by his grace:   Grace is the undeserved mercy or favor of God upon our lives.  Although he has every right to punish us, God chooses to freely exercise love, kindness and pardon towards sinners who repent and trust in Christ.  In other words, justification is a gift that is given by the mercy of God.

As a gift:   What do we know about gifts?  The most obvious thing is that they are free to the one who receives them.  It is the giver who incurs the cost associated with the gift. 

So it is with the gift of justification.  It costs us nothing, but it certainly wasn’t free.  Jesus purchased that gift with his own blood.     

Hebrews 9:12 – He [Jesus] entered once for all into the holy places, not be means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.

Through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:  In the Greek language, the root word translated ‘redemption’ denotes the price paid for a prisoner of war – a ransom.  The idea is that the prisoner is held in bondage or captivity until the ransom price is paid.  Once the payment is received, the prisoner is set free. 

Mark 10:45 – For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

The metaphor couldn’t be any clearer – mankind is a prisoner of sin, and we need someone to redeem us by paying the price for our spiritual freedom.  That price was paid by Christ Jesus:

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

The redemption or ransom that Christ paid is not weak or minimal.  We don’t have to cross our fingers and hope it is enough to cover our debt.  His blood has the power to liberate us from bondage, captivity or evil of any kind.  His redemption pays the full price for all the evil consequences of our sin.   

Ephesians 1:7-8 – In him [Jesus] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace which he lavished upon us…

Just to reiterate, the basis for our justification is the free goodness and grace of God.  That justification is made available to every sinner through the death and resurrection of Christ.  We can receive that gift by faith in Christ and his atoning work. 

You may be tempted to think that certain individuals are beyond the grace and mercy of God, but that simply isn’t true.  God can and will bestow the gift of justification on anyone who comes to him with a repentant heart.

The purpose of the gift of justification is to demonstrate the divine justice and goodness of God, as described in the next verse.

Romans 3:25 - …whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith.  This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.

GENERAL SUMMARY:  The free gift of justification by faith highlights the mercy of God.

DIGGING DEEPER:  Whom God put forward:  To ‘put forward’ is to publicly exhibit.  This phrase refers back to the death of Christ mentioned in verse 24. 

The crucifixion was clearly a public event.  Jesus was crucified outside the city of Jerusalem on Passover, when the city was overflowing with Jews from all over the known world.  The witnesses of his crucifixion included his followers, the Jewish leaders, the Roman guards, other prisoners also being crucified, curious onlookers and even his own mother.  Obviously, the ransom payment for our sin was not a private transaction - Jesus was made a public spectacle for the whole world to view.

As a propitiation by his blood:  Propitiation is defined as the act of appeasing wrath and conciliating the favor of an offended person.  In the case of mankind’s sin, God the Father is the offended party.  Our sin separated us from him and his favor.  It also brought us under his wrath. 

But through the shedding of his blood, Jesus became the mediator between God and man:

I Timothy 2:5 – For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.   

His sacrifice appeased the wrath of God and opened the way for us to be reconciled to him.  Once we were reconciled to God, the fountain of his favor and blessing once again flowed over us.   

Let’s make sure that we clearly understand this concept.  It would be a mistake to think that God loved us when we were created, but then hated us after Adam’s sin.  Remember, God is immutable; he never changes (Hebrews 13:8).  The truth is that he loved us in creation and he has continuously loved us ever since, even after we allowed sin into the world.  His love for us does not wax and wane depending on our performance.    

God never stopped loving us; we were just cut off from the flow of his favor and love.  Now that Christ has removed the obstruction, the love of God can once again freely flow over mankind; neither the wrath of God nor its effects can fall upon anyone who trusts in Christ.  

Now here is where things get really interesting.  Propitiation is also defined as that which propitiates - an atonement or atoning sacrifice.  The word translated as ‘propitiation’ is the same word translated ‘mercy seat’ in the Old Testament (Exodus 25:17). 

The mercy seat, located between two cherubim, was the place where God’s presence dwelt among the people (Leviticus 16:2, Exodus 25:21-22).  This is why God was said to ‘dwell between the cherubim’ (Psalms 80:1).      

Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, the high priest would sprinkle blood upon the mercy seat as an atonement for the sins of Israel that year:

Leviticus 16:14 – And he [high priest] shall take some of the blood of the bull and sprinkle it with his finger on the front of the mercy seat on the east side, and in front of the mercy seat he shall sprinkle some of the blood with his finger seven times.  

The Jews reading Paul’s letter would have fully understood the point he was making which was this:  Jesus is the mercy seat of the New Covenant; he is the propitiation or atoning sacrifice for our sin.  He is the Mediator who establishes a relationship between mankind and God the Father:  

I John 2:1-2 - …if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.  He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

Now, let’s be honest - the analogy of Paul seems a little odd, because it makes Jesus both the mercy seat where the blood of the sacrifice was sprinkled, as well as the blood of the sacrifice itself.  But keep in mind that a similar double reference occurs in Hebrews 9:11-12.  In that passage, Christ is identified as both the victim whose blood is shed for the remission of our sin as well as the high priest who sprinkles it upon the mercy seat.

The bottom line is this:  Paul is conclusively proving to the Jews that Jesus is the Messiah, the fulfillment of the plan of God for the redemption of mankind that was foretold by the writings of the Old Testament.  

It was important for the Jews to understand that the doctrine of justification through faith was not some new idea that Paul came up with; it was the plan of God from the foundation of the world.

To be received by faith:  Again, the gift of justification made possible by the goodness of God, and the sacrifice of Christ is received by the sinner through faith.

This was to show God’s righteousness:  God’s righteousness refers to his faithfulness in keeping his promise of a Messiah who would ransom us from the bondage of sin.  This righteousness (the fulfillment of his promise) was on public display in the death of Christ.  Jesus was put to open shame so that God’s righteousness would be made known to the inhabitants of all worlds (this one for sure and probably others we don’t know about).

Why was it so important for Jesus to become a public display?

Think of it this way:  Mankind’s natural reasoning says that if we were really under the wrath of God for sin, he would have punished us by now.  Since that hasn’t happened, we are tempted to think that God isn’t really keeping track of our sin.  Maybe it isn’t such a big deal after all. 

Paul informs us that this is not the case.  God is indeed keeping track of our sin.  But in his great mercy, he chose to postpone judgment until Christ came and provided a way of escape, as explained below.

Because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins:   There is no question that mankind sinned and incurred the wrath of God.  But God, knowing that we could not save ourselves, withheld or deferred our punishment (the execution of his justice) until the time when Christ came and could make an atonement for our sin.

The idea is that for centuries God was righteous, compassionate, merciful, good and loving in deferring his justice, but he was never publicly acknowledged for doing so.  However, the public display of Jesus’ death reveals just how merciful God really is – the judgment that was ours was delayed until it could be poured out upon Christ, allowing us to be spared. 

Paul’s comments confirm that Jesus is the ultimate Passover sacrifice.  His blood is the only effective agent for the forgiveness of sin whether past, present or future.

While this makes perfect sense to us and it fills us with joy, that was not necessarily the case for the Jews.  Remember, from the time they were infants, they were taught to trust in the yearly atonement made by the high priest with the blood of bulls and lambs.

It was very difficult for them to change their thinking and make the transition to Jesus being their high priest and his blood being the permanent sacrifice for not only their sins, but the sins of the Gentiles as well.     

Let me offer you some encouragement, relief and strength:

Can we just pause here for a moment? 

Romans 3:21-25 is a profound and glorious portion of scripture!  Stop and read it once again.  What Christian reading these verses doesn’t weep for joy? 

Let’s be honest - all of us were sinners headed for death.  Just take a moment to reflect on the sins, addictions, bondages and other evils that held you prisoner until the blood of Christ came and set you free!  That alone is enough to bring you encouragement, relief and strength for today.

But God’s goodness, love and righteousness don’t stop there.  His atonement covers sins that are past, present and even future.  Although we are committed to walking the paths of righteousness, we will continue to come short of his glory; we will continue to make mistakes. 

When that happens, seek forgiveness through Christ.  Remember, his love for you is not based on performance.  He hates your sin and he will correct you if necessary, but he will always love you and his Holy Spirit will abide with you forever.  One day soon, we will all see him face to face!

 

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Romans 3:17-18 – “…and the way of peace they have not known.  There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

Welcome back to our study of Romans.  In the second half of the third chapter, Paul is pressing home his point that mankind as a whole (both Jews and Greeks/Gentiles) is essentially wicked.  He is mainly pointing this out for the benefit of the Jews.  They were more than happy to admit that the Gentiles were wicked, but they erroneously believed that they were justified in God’s sight because they were his people. 

It is essential that Paul breaks down that lie, so he can lead them to the truth – they need a Savior who can justify them in the sight of God.

The scriptures Paul references in verses 17-18 speak of the ignorance of mankind in knowing the way to true peace and happiness for themselves and others.

Proverbs 1:7 – The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 3:17 – Her [wisdom’s] ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.

GENERAL SUMMARY:  Since the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom and wisdom leads to peace, we would expect evil people to be submersed in quarreling, deceit, chaos, stupidity, contention and strife.  And sure enough, this is what we find among those who have rejected God.

This overflow of corruption and suffering arises from a void – the absence of the fear of God in their lives.  That makes perfect sense, because when we depart from the ways of the Lord, we have nothing to lead us into life and peace.

DIGGING DEEPER:  Fear of God:   In this case, the ‘fear’ Paul speaks about is not a fear of judgment and hell.  Rather, fear denotes reverence, awe and veneration.  It can be described as a reverential affection for God, which is peculiar to his children.  It springs from a sense of divine goodness, and it manifests itself in a desire for holiness in our hearts and lives.  This veneration is fully implanted within the heart of each person when they are converted or saved.

Because reverence for God springs from grace, it is never found in unbelievers.  Sinners have no regard for the character, authority or honor of God.  If they did, it would restrain their mouths and their actions.  

Think of it this way:  We use a bit and a bridle to control a horse and force it to go where we lead; it is restrained from running wild.  In the same way, fear or reverence for God functions like a bit and bridle – it controls the Christian and restrains us from unbridled sin.  

In the case of the sinner, we find that their mouths and actions are running wild in the wilderness of wickedness, which proves they have no reverential fear of God.

Paul’s reasoning in verses 10-18 shows that all men, if left to themselves, will exhibit utter sinfulness. This sinfulness and depravity can only be overcome by the grace of God in bestowing on us the righteousness of Christ which comes through faith.

Here is a word of caution for all of us:  These seeds of sin are still within the lives of the righteous.  They can sprout and grow at any time, unless we continuously mortify our flesh/circumcise our hearts with the help of Holy Spirit.

Before their eyes:   When something is ‘before your eyes’, it can be plainly seen and identified.  For example, if you were on a walk and you came across a mud puddle, it would be plainly visible.  You would be able to identify it.  You would have the choice of walking around it or stepping into it.

When Paul says the fear of God is before the eyes of the wicked, he is indicating that man has the choice/free will to embrace or reject God.  His moral conduct reflects the choice he makes.  Again, mankind as a whole gravitates towards total wickedness and corruption. 

Whether they want to admit it or not, this includes the Jews.  By no less than six distinct quotes from different periods in their national history, Paul shows that, despite having the oracles of God, the character of the Jewish nation was far from being righteous. In fact, it was just as corrupt as the heathen nations.   

Obviously, there is no way they could be justified by their own works.  Therefore, it logically follows that a Jew could NOT hope to be saved simply because he was a Jew.  He was in the exact same predicament as the Gentiles – he needed a Savior.

Romans 3:19 – Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God.

GENERAL SUMMARY:  The Jews believed that they were justified before God because they had his laws and commands.  But Paul will show that the very law they trusted in condemned them in God’s sight.

DIGGING DEEPER:  Now we know:   Paul now begins to steer his readers toward a logical conclusion; he is about to make a point which they (the Jews) must absolutely admit/concede.

Whatever the law says:  In other words, whatever is found in the whole of the Old Testament, whether historical facts or commands from God.

It speaks to those who are under the law:   In some ways, the Jews were masters of deflection.  They might object that the writings quoted by Paul concerned only the impure gentiles and therefore did not concern or apply to them.  In order to prevent that from happening, Paul calls attention to the fact that the law speaks specifically to those to whom it was given.  It may indeed speak to all, but it definitely speaks with authority to those to whom it was addressed – the Jews!  

The Jews correctly considered the law to be divine.  Therefore, it was not only the absolute truth, it also carried divine authority.  The Jews also freely admitted (and even bragged) that the law was given exclusively to them.  Given these facts, they cannot evade or ignore or deflect the logical conclusions that Paul brings forth in his letter. 

That every mouth may be stopped:  The argument for the sinful state of the Jews as shown by numerous Old Testament passages was so clear and so obvious that no excuse or objection could be given to the contrary.  The Jews could not deflect their guilt; all rebuttals and objections would be silenced. 

And the whole world be accountable to God:  The Greek word for accountable (guilty) is another technical term associated with a court of law.  It indicates that the defendant (mankind/the whole world) has failed to vindicate or successfully defend himself in trial.  Therefore, the defendant is found guilty of all charges.  Mankind has broken the law and as it stands, he (mankind) will receive the punishment he justly deserves.

Thus, Paul reaches his intended conclusion:   Both major divisions of mankind are guilty before God and are subject to his judgement.

• The Gentiles were proved guilty of sin by actions which violated the laws of nature and of their own consciences. 
• The Jews were proved guilty of sin by the divine authority of their own laws – arguments and historical facts taken from the truth of the Old Testament.

Romans 3:20 – For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.

GENERAL SUMMARY:  The law is not the protection and shield that the Jews thought it was.  The purpose of the law is to identify and establish the universal guilt/sin of mankind.  This should lead to the understanding that a Savior is needed to justify man before God.

DIGGING DEEPER:  By works of the law:  Bible commentators do not agree on Paul’s use of the ‘law’ in this verse.  While some believe he speaks of moral law, others believe he means the law of Moses.  But realistically, there is a third option – he meant both.

In the mind of Paul’s Jewish audience, fidelity to the law (both moral and ritual/ceremonial) was the full scope of their moral obligation.   Essentially, they would not have made a distinction between the two, like we do today.  Therefore, it would be correct to assume Paul meant both.

No human being will be justified in God’s sight:  We take this concept for granted, but back in the early days of the church this was a very strong, very bold and very powerful statement.  It reflects the absolute universality of Paul’s doctrine – NO ONE will be found to have perfectly kept the law and thus be entitled to the rewards of obedience and justification by their own works.

Galatians 3:10 – For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, ‘Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.’

Since through the law comes knowledge of sin:  Remember, the Jews believed that possession and knowledge of the law guaranteed them justification.  But Paul explains that cannot be the case.

The law brings us a knowledge of sin by showing us God’s righteous decrees and how we have deviated from them.  When the Gentiles were compared to the law of nature and when the Jews were compared to the written law, the outcome in both cases was a clear proof of guilt.  The law was not a source of justification. 

Psalms 143:2 – Enter not into judgment with your servant, for no one living is righteous before you [God].

Once the law shows that we have deviated from its righteous demands, it automatically sentences us to the proper penalty - death.  Obviously, the law itself has no power to save. 

The law does not produce the benefit of justification before God like the Jews believed.  However, it does provide an entirely different benefit – by bringing an understanding of sin, it draws mankind’s attention to the fact that they need a means of justification before God – they need a Savior.

Think of it this way:  We may draw a line that seems to us to be perfectly straight.  But if we take a ruler or a straight edge and draw a truly straight line on top of the one we already drew, it will reveal the crookedness/curvature of the line we thought was straight.  What looked good is now clearly revealed as being faulty.  In the same way, the moral failure of human actions can only be determined by the law of God which proceeds from his own perfect holiness.  

Romans 3:21 – But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it…

GENERAL SUMMARY:  Having spent almost three chapters proving that all men (both Jew and Gentile) have no hope of justification in God’s sight by keeping the law, Paul now offers a solution to the problem – justification apart from the law; justification by faith through the imparted righteousness of Jesus Christ.

DIGGING DEEPER:  But now:  Paul has gone to great lengths to prove, beyond a shadow of doubt, that neither Jews nor Greeks/Gentiles can be justified by the works of the law.  Man’s supposed righteousness is nothing but filth in God’s sight. 

Now that Paul has made that case and proved the guilt of all mankind, he circles back to his original statement in Romans chapter one:

Romans 1:16-17 - For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.  For in it is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, the just shall live by faith.

Paul proceeds to show that God made a way where we could not; he has provided an avenue for mankind to be justified in his sight, while simultaneously fulfilling the full penalty of death required by the law.

That avenue is justification by faith in Jesus Christ, where the righteousness of Christ is transferred to us and the penalty of our sin is transferred to him.  This is the core doctrine of the book of Romans.  Paul will spend the rest of the letter/book fully proving and illustrating this doctrine. 

Paul tells his readers that God has done this (opened the avenue of justification) ‘now’.  ‘Now’ reflects a time frame consistent with the history of the world as divided into periods.  There was a period before the law, then the era of the law, and afterward the era of the gospel (also referred to as the age of grace). 

The gospel era is the ‘now’ that Paul mentions in verse 21.  That age came into being with the death and resurrection of Christ and it still continues today.  It will end on the day when Christ returns to the world to rapture his saints away (Ephesians 1:10, Acts 17:30-31, Hebrews 1:1-2).

The righteousness of God:  This does not refer to righteousness as one of God’s attributes.  Paul uses the phrase ‘righteousness of God’ to mean God’s plan for making mankind righteous.  We commonly refer to it as the plan of salvation. 

Remember, God’s holiness will not allow him to ignore or overlook sin.  The penalty for it must be paid.  In God’s plan of salvation, God can freely justify a sinner who believes in Christ because Jesus has fully met the penalty that the law demands.

Has been manifested apart from the law: 

The method of justification which God has appointed for man is completely separate from the law (natural, ceremonial or moral).  Jew and Gentile alike will be justified by faith in Christ.  This means that now there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles.

Ephesians 2:14 – For he [Jesus] is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us…

Now, everyone is simply a sinner who can be saved by grace (yay!).  This concept is normal for us, but it was a real stumbling block to the Jews of Paul’s day. 

Understandably, they had a very difficult time believing that there was no longer a difference between Jews and Gentiles.  This is another topic that Paul will address throughout the remainder of his letter.   

Although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it:  Strictly speaking, the Law was contained in the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament.  The Prophets generally entails the remainder of the Old Testament.  So the phrase ‘the Law and the Prophets’ is used many times in scripture to mean the entire Old Testament (Matthew 5:17, 11:13, Acts 13:15, 28:23, etc.).

The point is that whether they realized it or not, justification by faith in Christ Jesus was not a new doctrine – it was found in multiple ways and in multiple passages in the Old Testament: 

Habakkuk 2:4 - …the righteous shall live by his faith.

(See also Genesis 3:15, 15:6, Isaiah 53, Jeremiah 31:31-33, John 5:46-47).  Paul will weave these instances into his arguments throughout the remainder of his letter. 

Paul makes this statement with particular regard to the Jews.  He wants them to know that this is not some new belief system that was against the teachings of the law.  Rather, it was the ultimate fulfillment of it which had been declared in their own sacred writings.

Matthew 5:17 – Do not think that I [Jesus] have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.

In other words, salvation by faith was God’s ultimate plan from the beginning!  

Let me offer you some encouragement: 

Hopefully, one of the things you noticed from the third chapter of Romans is that everyone is a sinner.  I admit that isn’t a wonderful, encouraging, feel-good thought. 

Nevertheless, it is entirely essential that each sinner comes face-to-face with the reality that our sin makes us an abomination in God’s sight.  Those who face that realization will instantly be convicted of their sin.  They will repent and eagerly embrace the sacrifice of Christ which leads to salvation.

However, if a sinner considers themselves a ‘good’ person, who isn’t perfect but hasn’t committed any ‘big’ sins, they have no motivation to seek salvation.  Without a true understanding of their sin, they risk an eternity without Christ. 

So as you share the love of Christ with others, don’t be afraid to lovingly tell the whole truth – sin carries a penalty that must be paid either by Christ or by the sinner. 

Let me offer you some relief and some strength: 

As humans, we tend to assign different levels of depravity to different sins.  In our estimation, some sins like ‘little white lies’ are no big deal, but other sins like murder are abominable.  (Of course, in God’s eyes, that is not the case.  Even the slightest infraction of the law will result in death.)

You may have committed a sin that society considers the worst of the worst, but if you have truly repented, you are forgiven! 

Even though you’re forgiven, don’t be surprised to find that Satan comes to you at different times to remind you of what you’ve done and to bring you a load of guilt and shame.  When that happens, give yourself some relief and strength – don’t accept Satan’s delivery!

You know full well that when God forgives you, you are fully acquitted of all charges.  You are completely released from the bondage/incarceration of guilt and shame. 

When Satan comes calling, sing him away with songs of praise and worship to God.  Reject his delivery with scriptures that speak of your forgiveness.  You can also remind him of what his future holds – eternity in the lake of fire, prepared for him by God himself!

Remember, whoever the Son sets free is free indeed – no matter what sin they have committed (John 8:36)!

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Romans 3:9 – What then?  Are we Jews any better off?  No, not at all.  For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin…

Welcome back, readers.  In chapter three, Paul is arguing that Jews and Gentiles are equally sinful and both parties are guilty in God’s sight. 

When Paul addressed the sin of the Gentiles in chapter one, he was able to write plainly and openly because the Gentiles were willing to acknowledge the truth of what he said.   

However, as we saw at the beginning of chapter two, Paul does not use that same strategy when he begins to address the sins of the Jews.  Had he spoken plainly of their sin, corruption and guilt before God, the Jews would have become offended and enraged.  They would have immediately torn Paul’s letter up and burned it.

In the case of the Jews, Paul must approach his subject carefully and with great skill, so his message has a chance to penetrate their hearts and minds.  For example, at the beginning of chapter two, he addresses ‘everyone who judges’ without naming the Jews specifically.  By the time the Jews figure out Paul is talking to them, they have already read and understood his point.

We see a continuation of that style of writing here in chapter three.  Paul brings up and then refutes/removes any potential objections to his doctrine on the part of the Jews.  He once again carefully navigates his topic in such a way that the Jews will be compelled to read his entire letter without immediately dismissing it. 

GENERAL SUMMARY:  Paul raises yet another possible objection by the Jews.  Some of them might argue: ‘Are we not better than the Gentiles?  We have all the outward privileges of God as well as the law.’ 

Paul admits that in regard to these outward advantages, yes, the Jews were better off.  These outward advantages should have helped them understand the gospel message and the idea of justification through faith.  But they didn’t.  So, in an inward, spiritual respect, the Jews are every bit as corrupt as the Gentiles.  Both stand in need of justification by faith.  Therefore, the gospel is just as necessary for one group as the other.

DIGGING DEEPER: Paul is about to continue his argument that both Jews and Gentiles are under sin and void of righteousness.  Consequently, both groups stand in equal need of justification by faith in Christ.

In verses 10-18, Paul will reference several Old Testament texts to make his point.  These passages include Psalms 14, Psalms 10, Psalms 36, Psalms 5, Psalms 140 and Isaiah 59.  Through these different portions of biblical text, Paul shows that ALL (Jews and Greeks) are morally corrupt.  He does this by giving the meaning of each passage, not necessarily by a direct quote.

Are we any better off:  Or, ‘do we have any advantage over the Gentiles’.  This question continues to refer to the subject at hand, which is justification before God. 

In chapter 3 verse 2, Paul asks the question, ‘What advantage has the Jew’ and his response is ‘Much in every way’.  Now, in response to the question ‘are we any better off’ or ‘Do we have any advantage over the Gentiles’, Paul’s response is ‘No, not at all’.  How can this be?

In verse two, Paul spoke of external advantages such as circumcision and a knowledge of the law.  In this regard, the Jews clearly had an advantage over the Gentiles.

But in verse nine, Paul speaks of man’s inward state; the question is whether the Jews are inwardly (spiritually or morally) any better than the Gentiles and if so, are the Jews justified before God?  In this regard, the answer is no.

No, not at all:  As Paul is about to show, the Jews were born into sin just as the Gentiles, so by birth they are no better off, despite their outward advantages.  Furthermore, the Jews practiced sin just as the Gentiles, so by nature they are no better off either.  Paul concludes that the Jews are just as deserving of the wrath of God as anyone else because their outward advantages did not lead them to acceptance of justification by faith. 

In fact, it could be said that in some ways the Jews were worse off because having the law and not living by it aggravated their guilt.  

For we have already charged:  The word ‘charge’ is important.  It is a legal term, used when an accuser brings an accusation of crime against someone else (a defendant).  The term implies that the accuser is prepared to substantiate or prove the charges through facts, evidence, testimonies, and other proofs.  This is critical because the charges must be proved, otherwise they are merely slander. 

In this case, Paul charges that all (Jews and Gentiles alike) are under sin, all are justly condemned as sinners before God, and all are under the curse of death, which is the penalty for sin.  This is the train of thought that Paul pursues to the end of chapter three.

Fortunately, Paul will eventually get to the point that, by the mercy of God, Jews and Gentiles have an equal right to the blessings of God under the new covenant of justification by faith!

Both Jews and Greeks are under sin:  The Jews were more than willing to accept the fact that the Greeks/Gentiles were under sin.  But they could not (or would not) see themselves in the same light.  For this reason, Paul had to ‘charge’ or ‘legally accuse’ them of wickedness and then prove the charges through facts, evidence, testimonies, and other proofs, much as we would do in a modern court of law.

The crime or charge Paul brings against the Jews is that they are just as wicked as the Gentiles.

The first witness for the prosecution is the law itself.  Paul begins by entering several Old Testament passages into evidence.  He uses passages from a number of different dispensations in Israel’s history – the era before the kings, the period of the monarchy, and the time of the prophets (during and after the captivity).

These scriptures testify to the corrupt state of mankind as a whole.  If the facts show that the whole human race has been corrupt throughout the time of Israel’s history, then the logical conclusion is that the Jews are no better than the Gentiles. 

The truth presented by scripture would be impossible for the Jews to simply ignore because they absolutely and unconditionally maintained that the Old Testament carried divine authority.

Romans 3:10 - …as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one;”

GENERAL SUMMARY:  In verses 10-12, Paul enters several Old Testament scriptures into evidence as proof that the entire human race is guilty of sin.

DIGGING DEEPER:  As it is written: This paraphrase is based on Psalms 14:1-3 and Psalms 53:1-3, which were both penned by King David. 

None is righteous, no not one:  In these two passages, David laments the corrupt nature of all of mankind, and he concludes that none are righteous.

In this passage, God is represented as looking down from heaven upon mankind to see if there were any who feared/respected him and sought after him.  Sadly, God (who cannot be deceived) found no one.  Thus, we can safely conclude that there was none to be found. 

Human history was one long, sad catalogue of selfishness and crime.  There were no redeeming features in humanity.  No one sought after a knowledge of God and his righteousness; there was nothing evident but guilt and corruption.  Hence it follows that the Jews were no better than the Gentiles: 

• No member of mankind is originally righteous - We have all been born into sin and unless we embrace Christ by faith, we remain totally unrighteous and under the curse of the law.

 

• No member of mankind is meritoriously righteous – We cannot claim righteousness through obedience, neither is there any way by which we can earn or buy righteousness; even the most holy among us has nothing of value in God’s eyes:

Isaiah 64:6 – But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are as filthy rags…

• No member of mankind is practically righteous – We have no plan, no hope, no chance of ever finding a way to redeem ourselves.  Righteousness and justification are a gift of God provided through Christ; we had nothing to do with it.   

This dashes the Jewish belief that they were righteous before God simply because they were the custodians of the law. 

Romans 3:11 – “…no one understands; no one seeks for God.”

No one understands:  The word ‘understand’ does not denote a mere intellectual operation of the mind; it refers to the state of one’s heart which prompts or motivates the mind to obey and worship God.   

Jeremiah 4:22 – For my [God’s] people are foolish; they know me not; they are stupid children; they have no understanding.  They are ‘wise’ – in doing evil!  But how to do good they know not.

No one seeks for God:  In other words, there is no one that strives to be acquainted with his character, no one who endeavors to know and perform his will or to live by his commands.   It is evident that ‘no one understands’ by the fact that no one seeks God. 

As one bible commentator put it, ‘Empty is the man who does not have a knowledge of God.’  Whatever other learning he or she has (knowledge of art, science, history, etc.) is vain and empty if it does not stand upon the foundation of a knowledge of God.

By contrast, a righteous man counts it his highest honor and privilege to know God and understand/carry out his will.

Romans 3:12 – “All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.”

All have turned aside:  Both Jews and Greeks/Gentiles have turned aside from the righteous ways of God and become mired in sin.

The Gentiles have rejected the law that God wrote in nature and on their hearts while the Jews had forsaken or failed to live according to the law. The departure of both groups from the truth conclusively proves that evil is the natural state of all mankind.

Together:  Together can mean that Jews and Gentiles have become worthless ‘at the same time’ or that Jews and Gentiles have become equally worthless.  In either case, the two groups are united in their rejection of God, which removes all cords of brotherly love and causes men to despise others and seek only what is good for themselves.

They have become worthless:  In the Hebrew, the word ‘worthless’ means to become putrid or offensive, like spoiled food.  In other words, all mankind has become spiritually corrupt, useless and unfit for the purpose they were given – to serve God and promote the good of others.  The Psalmist declares that both Jews and Gentiles are like heaps of rotting meat - they are nauseating in God’s sight. 

No one does good not even one:   Paul’s overall point is that because God is the Father of all, a knowledge of him unites mankind in doing good and loving their neighbors.  But where there is ignorance or rejection of God, people no longer seek the good of others; life becomes ‘every man for himself’. 

In the spiritual sense, no one can do good without the grace of God, the strength of Christ and the anointing of Holy Spirit.  Even then, man cannot do good perfectly and without sin. 

Romans 3:13 – “Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive. The venom of asps is under their lips.”

GENERAL SUMMARY:  In verses 13-18, Paul uses a collection of scriptures which speak of the depravity of man at work in different members of the body (throat, tongue, mouth, feet, eyes).  He seems to be making the point that from head to foot, man is full of wickedness.

DIGGING DEEPER:  Their throat is an open grave:  In Psalms 5, the writer discourses on the sins of deceit, falsehood and slander.  Paul uses this passage of scripture as a basis to reprove the verbal sins of the Jews who were false, traitorous and slanderous – actions which prove that the Jews were just as unrighteous as the Gentiles.

This phrase is generally understood in one of two ways. 

The first interpretation personifies an open grave/death as a living entity that has a wide-open throat ready and eager to receive everyone and everything into its dominion of destruction.    

In the same way, the mouth and throat of the liar, slanderer or deceiver is always open to swallow up the peace and happiness of anyone it can entrap. 

The second interpretation says that just as an offensive, noxious or infectious odor would emanate from an open grave, so words of death, destruction and bondage proceed from the mouths and throats of liars and slanderers. 

Matthew 12:34-35 – You [unbelieving Jews] brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil?  For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.  The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. 

We might say that what proceeds out of the liar’s heart, passes through the throat, vents in his speech and manifests in his actions.  These deadly thoughts, words and actions are like the pestilential breath of an open grave, bringing sickness, death and chaos.

They use their tongues to deceive:  This clearly refers to sins of the tongue.  God gave us tongues to aid in speech.  Our ability to speak should be used to glorify God and build one another up.  But when mankind is left to his own devices, he naturally uses his tongue for evil – lies, deception, flattery, cursing, slander, gossip, etc. 

Furthermore, Paul is also implying that the conversation, promises and teachings of the Jews have been false and treacherous.  They are liars who speak evil of their neighbors and lead people astray:

Jeremiah 9:5 - And they [Israel] will deceive everyone his neighbor, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, and weary themselves to commit iniquity.

The venom of asps:  This is a reference to 140:3.    

The lips/speech of man have their highest purpose in praising God, proclaiming the gospel and encouraging others:

Hebrews 13:15 - By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

But because of our fallen natures, mankind uses his tongue for evil.  The Psalmist compares our words to the deadly poison of an asp or adder, a small snake whose poison is so potent its prey is killed almost instantly.  

The overall meaning is that just as the poison of the asp is rapid and certain, quickly spreading death throughout the victim’s body, so the words of a slanderer/liar are deadly, quickly destroying the peace, reputation and happiness of their victim.  Once the poison enters your bloodstream, it causes irreparable harm and eventual death.

Think of it this way:  Suppose you had a giant bag of snakes, which you decided to open up in a public park.  Once you opened it, the snakes slithered away quickly.  Realizing your mistake, you want to gather them and lock them back up in the bag, but you can’t – they are impossible to find and capture.  Indeed, they have already bitten several people in the park, and those folks are now dying.

So it is with our mouths.  It is in our power to open our mouths and let words out.  But once those words are loose in the world (or in the life of another person), there’s no way to take them back.  They can never be recaptured.  Whatever damage or suffering your words have caused, it cannot be undone.

Is under their lips:  The poison gland of the serpent is located in or near the mouth and the poison is discharged through the fang.  Likewise, the poison of man also flows through the mouth and is discharged through the tongue in the form of speech.

James 3:6 - And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.

Romans 3:14 – “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.”

DIGGING DEEPER:  This quote is found in Psalms 10:7.  Again, the apostle has not quoted the verse literally, but has used it because of the underlying truth it contains.  In Psalms 10, David is describing his bitter enemies.

Their mouth is full:  This denotes the frequency of their sin; since the mouth is full of cursing and corruption, that is what comes out every time their mouths are opened. 

Curses and bitterness:  This may mean sin in general including words and actions.  Alternatively, the meaning may be limited to sinful words such as oaths, curses, and any deceitful or slanderous words.  Bitterness refers to mischievous deceit.

This verse is clearly tied to verse 13.  Scripture tells us that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks (Luke 6:45).  Therefore, the flattering, lying, deceitful, harmful speech of mankind in general (and therefore the Jews specifically) proves that the whole human race is corrupt and sinful.   

Romans 3:15 – “Their feet are swift to shed blood;”

Paul borrows this phrase from Psalms 10:7 as well as Isaiah 59:7-8.  The former verses spoke of the sins of speech (lips, mouth, tongue, throat).  This verse is dedicated to the sins of the feet.  Since feet are the instruments of motion/action this phrase refers to behavior of wicked men.

The expression ‘their feet are swift to shed blood’ reveals the eagerness of man to commit crime, specifically the crimes of injustice and cruelty. They are pictured as thirsting for the blood of the innocent, and hastening to shed it to satisfy their own vengeance.  They make use of every means in their power to destroy the reputation and lives of the innocent. 

This may also refer to actual murder and is likely a reference to king Manasseh who shed so much innocent blood, he is described as filling Jerusalem with it (II Kings 21:16).

Isaiah 52:7 – How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”

Instead of the feet of men being blessed because they bring good news or run in the way of God’s commands (Psalms 119:32, Proverbs 1:16), they are employed in conducting the darkest of deeds upon their fellow man.

Romans 3:16 – “…in their paths are ruin and misery,”

This verse can be understood two ways.

First, this could be true in an active sense; wherever the wicked men travel, they bring destruction to the reputation, peace and happiness of others.  This results in calamity, ruin and death. 

In other words, generally speaking, it is the tendency of sinful mankind to destroy the virtue and happiness of everyone they come into contact with.

Second, this could be true in a passive sense; by their sinful ways and vicious course of life, wicked men bring destruction and misery upon themselves.  This is not surprising since they are walking along the ‘broad way that leads to destruction’ (Matthew 7:13), which eventually leads to death of the body and soul in hell.  

Let me offer you some encouragement and some relief: 

In verse 13, Paul tells us that sinners speak words of death, destruction and bondage.  Since we are in close contact with sinners every day, their poison can infiltrate our lives.

It is virtually impossible to escape the poison of corrupted speech – it is found in ordinary conversation, in songs, in cursing and profane expressions, in novels, in podcasts, on websites and in worldly teaching.  And once that poison gets into your system, it causes irreparable harm and even death.

So what can you do?

First, you can combat that poison with the word of God. 

• When an unbeliever tells you that you are worthless, let scripture remind you that you are so valuable to God, he gave up his Son that you might spend eternity with him.  
• When an unbeliever tells you that you will never amount to anything, let scripture remind you that God has an amazing plan specifically for your life. 
• When an unbeliever tells you that you are a failure, let scripture remind you that God has not set you up for failure, but for victory.

Second, you can pray and ask the Lord to break any curses that the words of others have placed upon your life.  It may be that you yourself have spoken failure or other bondage into your own life.  Regardless of the situation, repent/renounce those words and ask the Lord to break those curses in your life. 

Third, look yourself in the mirror and speak God’s words of life and blessing over yourself.  Ask Holy Spirit to help you control your own tongue.

Finally, you can limit your exposure to poison speech.  Be careful what you read, what you listen to and what you watch.  You may find that you need to limit your time with certain people.    

Let me offer you some strength:  

Paul is in the midst of arguing that all of mankind is on the slippery slope of sin, which will eventually result in eternal death and suffering – unless we become justified in the eyes of God. 

The good news is that God has provided exactly what we need; Jesus the Messiah paid the debt of our sin on the cross.  All that we need to do to obtain justification is to repent of our sin, ask his forgiveness and dedicate our lives to him. 

If you have never given your life to Christ, or if you have grown cold in your relationship with him, it’s time to make things right.  Bow your head right now, and pray in your own words.  If you don’t know how to begin, here is a prayer you start with:

Jesus, I am sorry for the sins I’ve committed including _______________.  I’m asking you to cleanse me with your blood and forgive me.  Please send Holy Spirit to live within my heart and help me live my life for you.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Romans 3:5 – But if our unrighteousness serves to show the righteousness of God, what shall we say?  That God is unrighteous to inflict wrath on us? (I speak in a human way.)

Welcome back to our study of Romans.  In chapter one, Paul documented the sin of the Gentiles.  In chapter two, he proved that all the external advantages of the Jews were insufficient to justify them in the sight of God. 

Knowing that this truth was going to produce backlash from the Jews, Paul anticipates their arguments and addresses them in chapter three through means of a literary dialogue.

The first objection centered on the advantages of the Jews, particularly that of circumcision.  The Jews believed that because they were God’s people (as evidenced by circumcision, the feasts, the sacrifices, etc.), they would not be subject to judgment at the end of the world.  Essentially, they believed all Jews would be found righteous in the sight of God. 

When Paul refutes this by showing that the Jews would also be judged, the Jews responded by asking this:  If this is the case, how were our privileges a benefit?  What advantage is there in being a Jew?

Paul destroys that complaint by showing that the Jews had the oracles/laws of God.  If the Jews lived by these commands they would prosper physically, mentally, spiritually, relationally and financially.  Their nation would be blessed.  In addition, they would have the honor and privilege of being the people who brought the Messiah into the world.

The second objection Paul addresses goes something like this:  If the unbelief/unfaithfulness or disobedience of some of the Jews resulted in the promises of God being void for all of Israel, then the Jews were still in the position of being no better off for having the oracles of God.   

Paul deals with this objection by proving to the Jews that the unfaithfulness/unbelief of some people does not have the power to nullify the eternal promises of God to those who embrace and believe them.  God is always faithful to his promises and covenants, regardless of what individual people do. 

In verse four Paul proceeds to show that the promises made to Abraham did not guarantee that all Jews would be unconditionally justified before God.  In fact, the truthfulness and faithfulness of God were completely consistent with the fact that some Jews (those who did not embrace God’s truth by faith) would be condemned on the day of judgement. 

In verses five through eight, Paul addresses yet another objection or more accurately a warped and deceitful false belief that was circulating among the Jews.  It goes something like this:

GENERAL SUMMARY:  The more faithless we (the Jews) are, the more illustrious the righteousness of God appears to the world.  In other words, our sin highlights his faithfulness, goodness, favor, justification, etc.  Since that is the case, God would be acting unrighteously if he judges us for our sin/unfaithfulness to him.

DIGGING DEEPER:  This objection appears to have been common among the unrepentant Jews of Paul’s day.  It was so widely circulated that it began to be accepted as true.  For this reason, Paul could not simply ignore it.  It had to be addressed before it gained any more credence.

In order to make his point, Paul speaks as if he were the person making this argument.  But just so people didn’t think he actually supported this view, he made it very clear that he was ‘speaking in a human way’.   

Here is his summary of the Jewish objection:

• It has been established that some Jews did not believe the promises of God.  This unbelief was a sin (Romans 3:3).
• But regardless of their sin, God was still true to his promises; he is sovereign and is not limited by the actions of man (Romans 3:4).
• In a scenario where God is faithful to his promises even in the light of man’s sin, God’s character is shown to be pure, holy, true, faithful, etc.

Thus, the effect of sin was to prove (or highlight or call attention to) the righteous and pure character of God.  This in turn means God received glory from man’s sin.  Since that was the case, how could God punish the sin which resulted in his own glory?  If he did, he was acting unrighteously or unjustly.

Now that Paul has summed up the argument, he proceeds to give a rebuttal in verses six through eight. 

It may help us to know that in verse six, Paul first expresses outrage at such a perverted idea, then he immediately jumps to the obvious conclusion that God could not judge the world if he were unrighteous. 

Once that initial outburst is over, Paul gives more logical reasons for his rebuttal in verses seven and eight.

Romans 3:6 – By no means! For then how could God judge the world?

GENERAL SUMMARY:  God, by his very nature, cannot be unjust.  If he were somehow unjust, then he would not be qualified to judge the world or punish the unbelieving Jews.  Thus, the argument of the Jews is absurd!

DIGGING DEEPER:  By no means: Paul’s first reaction is to point out that the logical outcome of this argument is so ludicrous, it should be regarded with disgust and immediately discarded.

For then how could God judge the world:  God is perfectly holy, perfectly righteous, perfectly faithful and perfectly just at all times.  The Jews acknowledged this.  They absolutely and universally accepted the truth that God is the judge of the world (Genesis 18:25, Ecclesiastics 12:14, 11:9, etc.), and that he will judge it in righteousness:

Psalms 96:13 - …He [God] will judge the world in righteousness, and the peoples in his faithfulness.

Psalms 98:9 – He [God] will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity.  

Furthermore, the Jews accepted that God is immutable (he never changes):

Malachi 3:6 – For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.

Since God never changes, it is impossible for him to act against his perfect, righteous nature.  Therefore, the idea that God judges unjustly is preposterous, and the argument of the Jews is proved false.

But supposing for a hot minute that it WERE possible for God to act in unrighteousness.  If we follow this line of reasoning to its logical conclusion, another absurdity arises.

If it were unjust for God to punish sin because it highlights his own glory, then no sin could ever be judged, and no sinner could ever be punished. 

The end result is that it would be impossible for God to carry out any kind of righteous judgment.  There would be no day of reckoning at the end of time.  There would be no rewards and punishments for mankind, based on their decisions in life.  Thus, sin would become an unrestrained free-for-all with no limits, and God would lose his control of mankind.  Again, this is obviously a laughable scenario and should be disregarded.

Romans 3:7 – But if through my lie God’s truth abounds to his glory, why am I still being condemned as a sinner?

The argument presented here goes something like this:  My utter depravity (lies/sin) only serves to highlight or call attention to God’s righteousness (his truthfulness and faithfulness). 

Since that is the case, why am I judged and condemned as a sinner, when the glory of God shines more brightly when I sin?  If by our unfaithfulness the truth of God becomes more apparent and hence, he receives more glory, then it is unjust for us to be punished as sinners.

Let’s once again remind ourselves that Paul is not speaking personally; he has not been telling lies in order to commend God’s truth and hopefully bring him glory.  Rather, he speaks the objections of the unbelieving Jews or of sinful men in general.

Paul speaks of ‘God’s truth’.  This refers to God’s veracity (habitual truthfulness; that which is in agreement with truth or facts) as it pertains to his faithfulness and justice. 

Paul also speaks of the lies of men.  Lies are the antithesis of truth; they are moral deflections that naturally follow unbelief.

The bottom line is that a lie is the exact opposite of truth.  A lie can never enhance or offer support for truth itself or the God of all truth.  Lies bring confusion, deceit and chaos.  Nothing is more contrary to the nature of God or more abominable to him, than a lie.  Lies are a product of the devil and they are punishable by eternal death:

John 8:44 – You [unbelieving Jews] are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires.  He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him.  When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.  

Obviously, God can do anything.  He could choose to use man’s sin to call attention to his glory if he wanted to.  Nevertheless, God’s use of man’s sin for his own purposes cannot be the grounds or the basis for judgment.  Rather, man is judged by his obedience to the law. 

Let’s look at a practical example to help us understand this concept.

Let’s suppose a person was arrested on suspicion of murder and eventually her case was brought to trial.  The judge assigned to her trial may have a reputation for integrity, toughness and fairness.  During the trial, the actions of the murderer might, in some small way, call attention to the honesty, equity, integrity and uprightness of the judge. 

Nevertheless, the murderer’s guilt and punishment are not determined by the reputation of the judge, or the honor of the police who tracked her down, or the goodness of the lawyers.  Her guilt and punishment are determined by the letter of the law. 

The same is true in the case of a sinner whose sin highlights God’s righteousness – it may very well be that God’s glory is occasionally, in some small way, honored by man’s wickedness, but this will never be the grounds on which his judgment is determined.  Judgement is based on the law.

Romans 3:8 – And why not do evil that good may come? – as some people slanderously charge us with saying.  Their condemnation is just.

Paul again shows the absurdity of this point of view, by carrying it out to its logical conclusion. 

If God is glorified by our sin and if, based on that fact, we are not going to be condemned for sin, then we should strive to do all the evil we can!  In this scenario, the more we sin, the more God is glorified!

This is a conclusion so monstrous and so shocking, it was really the only argument Paul needed to dispose of this objection.  Anyone capable of even rudimentary reasoning would know that unrestrained sin was not acceptable to God.

This kind of perverse, twisted logic was also being used as a weapon against the gospel message.  Here is how it worked:

The apostles taught that it was right and proper to glorify God for his provision of forgiveness under the covenant of grace.  This is absolutely true.  God deserves praise and glory for his forgiveness. 

It stands to reason that he would be glorified in proportion to the depth and degree of depravity of the sin which was forgiven.  In other words, if God had forgiven me for living an unbelievably wicked life, in a sense he would receive more glory than if he forgave me for just some minor infractions against his laws. 

The unbelieving Jews twisted this truth and claimed that the apostles taught men to sin as a valid way of glorifying God.  Of course, this was utterly false, but I’m sure it influenced more than one person who was seeking for truth in the gospel message.

We can certainly imagine how such a slanderous lie would damage the spread of the gospel and undermine the reputation of the apostles.  It could have kept people from turning to forgiveness in Christ.  Paul declares that those who went around slanderously perverting the Christian doctrines of grace deserved condemnation and punishment.

Through a discussion of these objections, Paul again corners the Jews into accepting the fact that they have no means of justification before God.  They, just like the Gentiles, are in need of a Savior.

Let me offer you some encouragement: 

Paul addressed a slanderous charge that the unbelieving Jews were making against Christianity.  The practice of perverting Christian views and doctrines still continues today. 

For instance, people sometimes say that because Christians believe homosexuality is a sin, they reject all people who are homosexuals.  Since they have no tolerance or acceptance for others, they are bigots and frauds, and they don’t really reflect the love of God.

Obviously, we recognize that the truth is being twisted by these people.  God loves every sinner, but he hates every sin including sexual sins.  He desires everyone to come to him for forgiveness, but then he requires all of us to circumcise our hearts and live lives of holiness. 

If you were called upon to clarify or refute a false accusation such as this, could you do so?  If not, I encourage you to put some study/thought into these issues, because twisted truth impacts people today, as much as they did back in the days of Paul.

Let me offer you some relief:  

Over and over again, Paul brings the Jews back to the truth that they cannot be justified before God through their own works.  They, like the Gentiles they despised, are in need of a Savior who can justify them in the sight of God.

What about you - have you accepted Jesus as your Savior?   If you still need relief from your sin, you can obtain it RIGHT NOW.  Just close your eyes and speak honestly to Jesus.  Ask him to forgive your sin and to justify you in God’s sight; pledge your life to him from this day forward.

Once you do that, you need to tell someone immediately.  Then get to church and begin to learn how walk with God.

 

Let me offer you some strength:  

As Christians we know that we can never justify our sin by saying that good will come from it.  Yet, there are times in which we might be tempted to do that very thing!  We may think that it’s only a minor sin, that it really won’t affect us or that no one will ever know.  But deep down, we know that God knows!

If at any time we are tempted to justify our sin by thinking that something good may come from it, let’s pause and remind ourselves that sin can never result in goodness and God will never sanction sin for any reason.   Such an idea is completely against the teachings of the bible.  In fact, we are commanded to be holy in every situation we face:

I Peter 1:16 - …since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

There are times when doing the righteous thing will take more effort than doing the convenient thing, but in the end let’s stand in faith and place our trust in God.

 

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Romans 3:1 – Then what advantage has the Jew?  Or what is the value of circumcision?

In chapter one, Paul documents the wickedness of the Gentiles.  In chapter two, he documents the wickedness of the Jews, which actually surpassed that of the heathen.   He proves to the Jews that all of their external advantages (possession of the law, circumcision, the feasts, etc.) were utterly insufficient to justify them in the sight of God.

Paul knows full well that his discourse will outrage the Jews because it effectively strips them of all their peculiar honors and privileges.  He can correctly anticipate the arguments the Jews will raise, because he himself was Jewish and because he had already heard them from other Jews in other cities. 

Therefore, Paul pens chapter three in the form of a dialog or discussion.  He raises the exact questions he knows his readers would ask if they were present with him, and then he proceeds to answer them. 

The first obvious question/objection of the Jews would be this:  If physical circumcision avails nothing and inward circumcision of the heart is everything; if an uncircumcised person who keeps the law is treated as circumcised, then what advantage is there in being a Jew?  What is to be gained by outward circumcision?  Was there any real value in the old covenant at all? 

This is a serious objection because if there was no value in the advantages of the Jews, then God is not who he claims to be. 

If there was no value in circumcision, the law, the Jewish rites, etc., then instead of giving his people a true gift/advantage as he claimed, God really gave them nothing at all.  His promises were hollow.  Consequently, instead of being faithful, generous and true, God is shown to be a deceiver and a cheat who cannot be trusted. 

Of course, we are well aware that God is NOT a deceiver or a cheat.  He is perfect, holy, just and righteous at all times.  Therefore, we can be sure the advantages/privileges of the Jews DID have value and purpose.  This is exactly what Paul tells us in verse two.  

Romans 3:2 – Much in every way.  To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God.

GENERAL SUMMARY:  Did the Jews have advantages over the Gentiles?  Absolutely!  The chief or most valuable of all the Jews’ advantages was having the ‘oracles’ of God.  So valuable was this advantage, that even if it was the only one the Jews enjoyed, it would prove they were blessed over all other nations.

DIGGING DEEPER:  Let’s begin by defining the word ‘oracle’.  It is defined as the communications, revelations and messages delivered by God to mankind. 

These oracles provided rules and guidelines for daily living.  They spoke of what was going to happen in the future.  They served as the final source in answering questions, resolving doubts and ending controversies.

To the Jews of Paul’s day, ‘oracles’ meant the entire Old Testament - the law, the prophets and the Psalms.  These divine books contain the mind and will of God; they are his infallible word.  Through them the Jews had not only the commands of the law, but the promises and predictions of grace, forgiveness and salvation which would flow through the Messiah.

Furthermore, the rites, festivals and other aspects of the Jewish religion bore witness to the laws of God through sight, sound, action, and to some degree through smell (incense, burnt offerings, roasted Passover lamb, bitter herbs, etc).  They too revealed the promises of grace and salvation which would eventually be revealed by Messiah.

What an obvious benefit/privilege this was!  Because they had the law, the Jews had a clearer and more distinct knowledge of God than the Gentiles could ever have discovered by the light of nature. 

For hundreds and hundreds of years, they alone had the opportunity to know God’s commands, to live by them, and thus to prosper physically, mentally, spiritually, relationally and financially.  There can be no doubt that God’s law enlightens the mind/spirit, feeds the soul, sweetens one’s daily existence, and infuses life with hope and joy!  What a blessing!

It was a blessing for the Jews to be the repository of God’s laws.  But their blessings didn’t end there.  They were also blessed to dispense this knowledge to the rest of the world.  Plus, they were the nation through which Jesus Christ the Messiah, the Redeemer of mankind, came into the world!

Romans 3:3 – What if some were unfaithful?  Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God?

GENERAL SUMMARY:  Paul has just shown that the divine revelations of God were unquestionably an advantage or privilege to the Jews.  But he now anticipates a further possible objection on their part.  It goes something like this:

Paul already stated that some Jews were just as guilty before God as some Gentiles and they would be condemned on the day of judgment.  If the unbelief/unfaithfulness or disobedience of some of the Jews resulted in the promises of God being void for all of Israel, then the Jews were still in the position of being no better off for having the oracles of God.   

Paul deals with this objection by proving to the Jews that the unfaithfulness/unbelief of some people does not have the power to nullify the eternal promises of God to those who embrace and believe them.

DIGGING DEEPER:  First off, our translation (English Standard Version) uses the word ‘unfaithful’.  The King James Version uses the word ‘unbelief’.  Both are good translations and can be used interchangeably.

Now let’s examine the viewpoint of the Jews.  It was an indisputable fact that God had chosen Israel as his people.  It was also indisputable that he entered into a covenant with them.  In their minds, this implied that ALL Jews would be kept from damnation on the day of judgment.  In other words, based on God’s covenant with their forefathers, they believed that all Jews would be saved. 

However, in Romans chapter two, Paul reasons that in certain respects the Jews were on the same level as the Gentile/heathen nations.  Specifically, they (or at least some of them) failed to believe and obey God.  Consequently, since they sinned, they would be subject to judgment, just like the heathen.  This leads the Jews to again ask the question, ‘Of what value was the promise of God?  Has it not become null and void for the nation?’

Again, we have a very serious implication here.  According to the thinking of the Jews, if they were unfaithful/disobedient and thus condemned, then one of two things had to be true:  Either God neglected to keep his promise to the nation of Israel or that God made a promise he was incapable of keeping.

If God neglected to keep his promise, then he was unfaithful, unreliable and could not be trusted.  If he was incapable of keeping his promise, then he was powerless, weak and clearly not sovereign. 

Obviously, we know these allegations are completely false.  God is faithful, reliable and trustworthy.  In fact, right at this moment, we are depending on him for our very next breath!  Furthermore, we know that God is, without question, sovereign over the universe. 

We find that Paul responds to the possible objections of the Jews by asking them two additional questions. 

Question one:  ‘What if some Jews were unfaithful?’ (Your translation may say, ‘What if some Jews did not believe?’). 

First, let’s address the word ‘some’.  This word does not reveal an exact number.  Bible commentators believe Paul meant most if not all the Jewish population, but that was another hard pill to swallow, so for the sake of argument, he simply says ‘some’.   (The outcome of his argument is the same, regardless of the number of unbelievers.)

More importantly, Paul is ready to allow that there were at least some Jews who were unfaithful to the oracles of God.  In other words, they did not strive to adhere to the laws; they were disobedient to the commands of God. 

Paul is also ready to allow that there were at least some Jews who did not believe in God’s promises, particularly the prophecies pertaining to the Messiah.  (This, of course, led to a disbelief in Jesus as the Messiah when he eventually came to earth as promised.) 

Question two:  Does their faithlessness and/or unbelief nullify the faithfulness of God?

Thankfully, the answer is a resounding NO:

Hosea 2:19-20 – And I [God] will betroth you [Israel] to me forever.  I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy.  I will betroth you to me in faithfulness.  And you shall know the Lord.

God is always faithful to his promises and covenants, regardless of what individual people do. 

Think of it this way:  God is both sovereign and omnipotent.  This is important because it means that he is dependent on NOTHING.  He is not dependent upon the decisions or actions of anyone or anything in order to function or accomplish his will.  He can do whatever he deems appropriate at any and all times, because he has all the power, ability, resources and authority to do so.  That’s just who he is.

People can (and do) rebel against him, but that does not affect him in any way.  All that does is place the rebel into bondage under Satan. 

There will always be some faithless people who choose to live in unbelief.  For these people, there is no benefit to having the oracles of God, because his blessings and promises can only be appropriated by faith. 

The important thing is that the unbelief/lack of faith of some people does not nullify the faithfulness of God.  He continues to be perfectly faithful to all his promises and covenants, at all times and under all circumstances.  His word stands forever: 

Isaiah 40:8 – The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.

Therefore, those who believe and have faith in his promises will certainly reap the benefits of them.  Thus, Paul shows that the Jews did not have to worry that some of them would be condemned because of the unbelief of others.  For these people, the oracles of God were a very great advantage/privilege.

Romans 3:4 – By no means! Let God be true though everyone were a liar, as it is written, “That you may be justified in your words, and prevail when you are judged.”

GENERAL SUMMARY:  The faithfulness of God is so far from being nullified by the deceitfulness and unfaithfulness of man, that man’s unfaithfulness actually makes God’s truth and faithfulness even more evident.  

DIGGING DEEPER:  Let God be true, though everyone were a liar:  Paul is still challenging the Jewish idea that all Jews would be saved, simply by virtue of being Jews. 

He begins his argument by declaring that first and foremost, the veracity (habitual observance of truth; truthfulness, honesty, integrity) of God was a principle to be tightly held.  Any doctrine, teaching or idea that contradicted that premise should immediately be abandoned. 

Of course, Paul included himself in this view.  Every opinion or doctrine that came from him (even those found in the letter to the Romans) was also to be discarded if it was not consistent with the principle of God’s truthfulness.

The logical corollary is that in every case where a difference exists between what God says and what man says, we can be sure that God is telling the truth and man is lying.

Have you ever heard the saying, ‘the truth hurts?’  The meaning is that there are some truths mankind does not want to face, because they are opposite of our own views and opinions.  In these cases, to accept what is really true is painful to us.

That old saying would apply to this scenario.  When God is credited as being faithful and true above all else, mankind is forced to accept the truth, even if it differs from our own views/ideas and even if we find it painful.

For example, God says that marriage is a life-long covenant between one man and one woman.  All sexual activity is to be limited to you and your spouse. 

This is a truth that most people (including some Christians) today don’t want to recognize.  They have all kinds of excuses for engaging in adultery, fornication, homosexual acts, pornography and other sexual perversions.  In their own minds, they have justified every sexual sin imaginable.  Culture and society also give their approval to these actions.

In this difference between God and man, man must accept that God is correct/truthful and he is wrong; his version of the ‘truth’ is really a lie.

Here’s how this concept fits into the current topic:  The Jews were under the impression that all of them would be saved, because they were the chosen people of God.  They thought that having the oracles of God guaranteed their justification.  Paul refutes that claim.  He shows that in some ways the Jews were just as wicked as the Gentiles, and both groups would be treated the same on the day of judgment.  This was a painful truth the Jews did not want to face.   

So, Paul goes on to prove that the truthfulness and faithfulness of God were wholly consistent with the fact that some Jews would be found unfaithful and be condemned on the day of judgment.  Paul does not go into great detail on this topic, but it isn’t all that difficult to understand. 

The promises made to Abraham did NOT maintain that all of the Jews would be unconditionally and absolutely saved.  The covenant implied that the Jews were to be obedient and if they were not, they would not receive the promises:

Genesis 18:19 – For I [God] have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice, so that the Lord may bring to Abraham what he has promised him.

And of course, it doesn’t take much research to see that the Jews were unfaithful to God many times in their history.

So, painful as it may be, the fidelity, faithfulness and truthfulness of God are completely consistent with some part of the Jewish nation being rejected and lost.

As it is written:  Paul continues his discourse with a reference to Psalms 51, which was penned by King David after he had sinned and been confronted by the prophet Nathan:   

Psalms 51:4 – Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. 

Let’s refresh our memories of that situation, which is found in II Samuel 12:1-15.  David should have been leading his troops in war, but instead he remained in Jerusalem.  One night he saw a beautiful woman bathing on the rooftop.  He ended up sending for her and they slept together.  Thus, David committed adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah the Hittite. 

Later, when David found out that she was pregnant, he did a number of sleazy things to cover it up.  When none of them worked, he sent a note to the commander of the army and ordered that Uriah be put into the most dangerous part of the battle, and when the battle was fierce, the other army men were to draw back from him, so he would be slain (II Samuel 11:14-17). 

Needless to say, God was not pleased.  He eventually sent Nathan the prophet to confront David and expose his sin.  David composed Psalm 51 after his confrontation with Nathan.

Paul uses this scripture to make a couple of important points.

His first point is that sin does not negate the truth and faithfulness of God.  Long before the incident with Bathsheba, God made a promise to David that one of his own sons would sit upon his throne and that eventually the Messiah would come through his line as well (II Samuel 7:12-17).  And of course, we know this is true.  Solomon, son of Bathsheba, became king in David’s place and eventually Jesus was born of the house and lineage of David (Matthew 1:1-16).    

Though David was weak and sinful, yet God was true and faithful to every single word of promise that he had sworn to him.  Thus, the Jews could rest assured that (as we already noted), the unbelief/lack of faith of some people does not nullify the faithfulness of God.  He is always perfectly faithful to all his promises and covenants, at all times and under all circumstances.  His word stands forever. 

That you may be justified in your words:   The meaning is that God should be regarded as just and righteous when he judged David for his sin.  This does not mean that David sinned for the purpose of justifying God, but that once David was confronted by Nathan, he recognized that his sin was so blatant and so wicked, that God was right in his sentence of condemnation.

In the same way, the Jews should recognize that their sin against God was also blatant and wicked and that God will be righteous and just in condemning them at the end of the age.

And prevail when you are judged:  In a court of law, if one was accused and acquitted or accused and found innocent, we might say they prevailed or overcame.  This is the sense in this passage.  Mankind will accuse God of being unfair or unrighteous, but if the question of God’s unfairness were brought to trial, God would overcome – he would be found pure and righteous in his condemnation of David’s crime.

The overall meaning is that God is to be regarded as right and just in condemning men for their sins and any person who has a correct understanding of God will know this to be true, even though he himself stands condemned.

Again, Paul is establishing a fixed, unwavering principle that God is right and true, regardless of the consequences, regardless of what doctrines must be abandoned and regardless of who is proved to be a liar by it.  This substantiates the truth Paul revealed in the prior verse.  Namely, the truth and faithfulness of God are not negated by the apostasy or deceitfulness of man.

Now Paul will make his second point.  Namely, that the sin of mankind accents or highlights or calls attention to the faithfulness of God.  This was David’s overall thought behind Psalms 51:4.  God certainly had every right to drop the promises made to David because of his gross sin, but instead God is faithful to do what he said he would do.  

Thus, God in his amazing providence, is capable of eliciting praise of his own righteousness even from the sins of man.  God is worthy of praise in all his judgements, regardless of the complaints of mankind.

In the end, the Jews must face the truth of scripture: God’s promises to Abraham did not guarantee that all Jews would be saved.  The scripture clearly shows that the Jews were to be obedient and if they were not, they would not receive the promise of justification.  The Jews will not be saved for mere possession of the oracles of God; the promises must be embraced by faith.

Let me offer you some encouragement:  

The Jews derived immeasurable blessings and advantages by having the oracles of God.  And yet, those of us living under the new covenant in the age of grace have even more! 

Under the old covenant, the only people who were anointed for service to God were prophets, priests and kings.  They had an amazing advantage which the common person would never receive.

But now, under the new covenant of grace, ALL Christians (male and female, young and old, white and black, slave and free) are anointed for service to God by Holy Spirit.

Holy Spirit is the constant companion of the Christian.  He gives us spiritual gifts for the edification of the church.  He leads and guides us along the path we are to walk.  He grows spiritual fruit in our lives.  He reveals the word of God to us, increasing our understanding.  He empowers us to witness for Christ.  He assists us in praying for breakthroughs when we don’t know how to pray.  He leads us in spiritual battle against our enemies. 

There is no advantage like Holy Spirit!  I encourage you to get to know him in a greater way; begin to live your life in such a way that you are depending upon him instead of your own strength and wisdom.  

Let me offer you some relief:  

Later in this chapter of Romans, Paul will conclude that all of us have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).  Obviously, this includes you and me. 

Satan would love to hold our mistakes and failures before us all the time and make us think that we are now ineligible for God’s blessings.  But as we saw in today’s post, that is a lie!

When he reminds you of a mistake, do what king David did – acknowledge your sin, repent, and give God glory that your mistake does not nullify the promises of God in your life!

Let me offer you some strength:  

In today’s post Paul points out that the unbelief of one person does not have the power to nullify the promises of God to another person. 

For example, if your cousin refuses to believe that God still heals people, their unbelief will keep them from obtaining the blessing of healing.  However, their viewpoint does not make that promise void for you – or does it?

If you listen to your cousin’s viewpoint time after time and never say anything to challenge them, you may just start believing what they say.  The reason for that is that whatever you allow to stay in your mind will eventually take root in your heart, whether it be good or evil. 

So instead of allowing that lie to go unchallenged in your mind, you need to search the scriptures and prove to yourself that God’s promise of healing is TRUTH and your cousin’s word is a lie. 

As Christians, we must constantly guard the doors of our hearts and minds so we don’t leave any openings for the enemy to come into our lives!  

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Romans 2:25 – For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision.

In Romans chapter two, Paul is discussing the spiritual privileges which the Jews enjoyed because they were God’s chosen nation.  These privileges or benefits included the law, the temple and its sacrifices, the feasts (Passover, feast of unleavened bread, etc), and of course the one privilege most cherished by all Jews – circumcision. 

Circumcision is the topic of the rest of chapter two.  But before we look at Paul’s teaching on this topic, let’s take a step back and look at the larger picture of the church at this time.

Paul is writing to the people in the church.  These are born again believers who have trusted in Christ as their savior.  The Roman church was a mixture of both Jews and Gentiles - two groups who had been adversaries for a very long time.

Because of their nation’s relationship to God under the old covenant, the Jews considered themselves special.  While this was true, the Jews eventually lost sight of the reason for their special status before God (to show his love to the world).  At some point, pride took root in their lives and they began to consider themselves better or of greater value in God’s sight than all of the Gentiles.  In fact, they often referred to Gentiles as dogs (Matthew 15:26-27).  This viewpoint became an integral part of their national identity.

As a result, the Jews considered the Gentiles as ‘outsiders’.  They did not associate with Gentiles, eat with Gentiles or even go into a Gentile house.  In fact, when Peter went into the house of Cornelius the Gentile, it was an astonishing occurrence:

Acts 10:28 – And he [Peter] said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean.”

Meanwhile, the Gentiles had mixed feelings about the Jews.  Jews were often viewed with distain and suspicion because of their unusual customs (like circumcision and dietary laws).  Jews were also viewed as haughty or exclusive because of their monotheistic beliefs and their purposeful separation from the other cultures of the world.   

These historical circumstances created a big problem in the early church.  Although the Jews and Gentiles were all technically brothers in Christ, they were not getting along.  They carried their cultural and religious divisions into the church. 

The Gentiles were sick and tired of all the rules and regulations of the Jews.  They didn’t see any reason to fast on the Day of Atonement, or bring lambs to the temple for sacrifice, or to stop eating shellfish.  They bristled at smug holier-than-thou attitude of many of the Jews.    

For their part, the Jews were adamant that the Gentiles should adopt the ‘privileges’ of the old covenant, especially that of circumcision.  They basically felt that Gentiles needed to become Jews before they could really be Christians.  Some Jewish Christian leaders even erroneously taught that circumcision was required for salvation (Acts 15:1)! 

Given this historical situation and the confusion surrounding circumcision, it’s not surprising that Paul chooses to address this topic in the remainder of chapter two. 

Before we go any further, let’s be clear on one important point:  Holy Spirit had made it crystal clear that physical circumcision was NOT required for salvation (Acts 10:44-48, Acts 15:1-29).  In fact, none of the Jewish rites were necessary for salvation.  Righteousness in God’s sight is obtained exclusively through the blood of Christ.

As we read through the book of Romans, we may be tempted to judge the Jews for their inability to instantly give up the ways of the old covenant.  We may scorn their inability to see and embrace the freedom Christ provided under the new covenant.  We may be tempted to condemn them for their haughty treatment of the Gentiles.  But before we do, let’s pause for a minute.

From the very creation of their nation, the Jews were God’s special people.  It was vitally important for them to be separated from all other nations for a number of reasons: 

• They were the only nation in covenant with God; idolatry could not be tolerated. 
• They were the nation who had access to a greater understanding of God through the law. 
• They were the nation who would display God’s love to the world.
• They were the race through which the Messiah would come. 

In order for the Jews to remain a separate nation for hundreds and hundreds of years, it was necessary for them to have a very strong national identity.  This identity kept them together through the time in Egypt, the years of the judges, the rise and fall of both kingdoms, the exile/captivity and their eventual dispersion throughout the world.  It was fully ingrained in the heart and mind of every single Jewish offspring, both male and female.  First and foremost, they were the people of God. 

Therefore, it is not surprising that the Jews of Paul’s day found it difficult to set aside the Jewish rites.  To think that these privileges or rites could become null and void was something they NEVER imagined.  To make the jump from forgiveness through the blood of the Passover lamb to the concept of forgiveness through the blood of Christ was, for them, almost inconceivable.  It must have felt like treason for them to give up their old ways.  To us it seems perfectly reasonable, but to them it was mind blowing. 

There is no doubt that prophetic events are difficult to understand before they unfold.  The Jews had difficulty understanding the implications of the reign of the Messiah.  We will face the same difficulties as prophetic events continue to unfold in our lifetimes.  For this reason, we should not judge them!   

So, we find that the Jews were bringing all of this baggage into the church with them.  In their minds, it made perfect sense to incorporate the old Jewish rites into Christianity.  When the Gentiles pushed back, it created a rift in the church.   

Left unchecked, these differences would have torn the church apart.  If not for the work of Holy Spirit, the final outcome would likely have been two churches – one Gentile and one Jewish.  But that was never God’s plan.  He always intended for Jews and Gentiles to come together into one united body of Christ:

John 10:14, 16 – I [Jesus] am the good shepherd.  I know my own and my own know me, …and I have other sheep that are not of this fold.  I must bring them also and they will listen to my voice.

Isaiah 49:6 - And he [God] said, “It is too small a thing that you [the Messiah] should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved ones of Israel: I will also give you for a light to the Gentiles, that you may be my salvation unto the ends of the earth.”

In the remainder of chapter two, Paul will show that the most revered Jewish privilege – circumcision – is just like all of the other Jewish rites.  It is not a goal in and of itself; it is an outward physical sign which points to the inward spiritual truth of the gospel.  Its value was not in the act itself, but in what it represented – a change of heart.   

With this background in mind, let’s take a look at today’s text.   

GENERAL SUMMARY:  The final privilege or benefit Paul specifically mentions in chapter two was that of circumcision.  Physical circumcision was the original token of membership in the Jewish nation.  To be circumcised was proof that you were a descendent of Abraham and one of God’s chosen people. 

However, Paul is about to show that physical circumcision was not a ‘get into heaven free’ card.  It was a token or symbol of the spiritual circumcision of the heart required in the gospel dispensation.   

DIGGING DEEPER:  Circumcision is of value:  Under the old covenant, circumcision definitely had value.  It was proof that a man was a descendant of Abraham and part of the covenant between God and man.  It was required in order to be accepted by God and to enjoy all the other rights and privileges of being in the Jewish nation.  Naturally, the Jews attached great importance to this physical symbol. 

If you obey the law:   Circumcision was required if a person expected to obtain righteousness by the law.  But as we pointed out earlier, this path requires perfection.  You must perfectly follow the law every single day, in every single circumstance which is obviously impossible. 

Galatians 5: 3 – I [Paul] testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obliged to keep the whole law. 

But if you break the law, circumcision becomes uncircumcision:  For those who are unable to perform perfectly (that would be everyone), the law is of no help in justification before God and therefore physical circumcision profits nothing.  Paul correctly concludes that Jews who break the law are on the same spiritual level as any uncircumcised Gentile.  

We might phrase it this way:  Circumcision is of no value in obtaining justification before God, because man can’t be justified by his own works.  He can only be justified by faith (Romans chapter one).  

Think of it this way - It is a benefit/privilege to be born in a Christian nation, to have believing parents and grandparents, to be trained in the practical aspects of Christian life, to attend Sunday school, to be prayed over, and to be dedicated/baptized as a baby.  These things cannot justify us in the sight of God by themselves; they are benefits because they put us in a position where it is easier to understand and embrace salvation.

In the same way, circumcision in and of itself does not produce righteousness before God.  It (like all of the other Jewish privileges) was a benefit designed to make it easier for the Jews to understand that spiritual circumcision of the heart was required in the age of grace. 

Romans 2:26 – So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision?

GENERAL SUMARY:  Paul has just declared that if a circumcised person (a Jew) failed to keep the law, he or she would be no different than an uncircumcised person (a Gentile). 

Therefore, the opposite must also be true.  If an uncircumcised person (a Gentile) was obedient to the moral precepts of the law, then he or she would be no different than a circumcised person (a Jew).   

DIGGING DEEPER:  There are basically two different interpretations of this verse.

The first interpretation says that Paul is posing a rhetorical question.  Those who hold to this theory say that Paul’s argument goes something like this:  IF there was a Gentile who fully understood the laws of God and IF he could keep that law perfectly at ALL times, THEN his uncircumcised state would be considered as circumcision.

The question is rhetorical, because the Gentiles are no more capable of fulfilling the letter of the law than the Jews are.   

The second interpretation claims that Paul is speaking literally.  Their basic view can be summed up this way:  Circumcision was given as a token of one who keeps the law; it is merely a sign that points one to the law.  Therefore, circumcision is subordinate or inferior to the law.  In other words, of the two, the law is the important one. 

Think of it this way – if you were starving and you saw a sign that pointed to a free meal, which would be more important – the food itself or the sign that pointed it out?  Obviously, it would be the food!  In the same way, it is more important to keep the law than to be circumcised.  

Those who hold this view point out that there were at least some Gentiles who were outside of the old covenant but nevertheless came to an understanding of what is contained in it (keeping a moral code, doing what is right).  Though these people did not have the seal of the old covenant in their flesh (circumcision), they exemplified the character and walk of the children of Abraham.  Therefore, their uncircumcision was considered circumcision. 

I Corinthians 7:19 – For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God.

Case in point, Cornelius the centurion:

Acts 10:1-2 – At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God.

The bottom line is that acceptance by God does not depend on man’s external privileges but on the state of his heart and life.  Any person, Gentile or Jew, who believes in Christ and trusts in him alone for salvation, will be treated as righteous, regardless of whether he is circumcised in the flesh or not.   All such followers of Christ will then willingly circumcise their hearts, minds and actions to conform to God’s holy laws.

Therefore, the Jews should not be fooled into placing their confidence in the mere outward/physical token of circumcision.  Nor should they despise the Gentiles who are not circumcised in the flesh.

Romans 2:27 – Then he who is physically uncircumcised but keeps the law will condemn you who have the written code and circumcision but break the law.

Remember, back in verse 17 Paul describes the Jews as people who relied upon their external keeping of the law; they felt secure in sinning against the law because of their spiritual privileges. 

Paul pushed back on that notion.  He clearly states that the actions of any obedient uncircumcised person who keeps the spirit of the law will stand in judgement against the actions of the disobedient circumcised Jew, who enjoyed the benefits of having the written law.  The writer of Hebrews makes this point:

Hebrews 11:7 – By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household.  By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

Noah was not circumcised, but because he obeyed the spirit of the law by building the ark, he will condemn the world.  Scripture gives us other examples such as the people of Nineveh, and the queen of South (Matthew 12:41-42).

The Jews felt they were qualified to condemn/pass judgment on the Gentiles (Romans 2:1), but in reality, the obedient actions of the believing Gentiles would condemn the Jews.  

Romans 2:28 – For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. 

Now Paul comes to the pinnacle of his argument against the Jewish reliance on their privileges under the law.  The very foundation of their boasting was circumcision. 

William Burkitt’s Expository Notes says it this way: “It was the hardest saying that could sound in a Jewish ear, to affirm, that circumcision which is outward in the flesh, profiteth nothing; for they so gloried in it, that they accounted it equal to the keeping of all the commandments of God…”

All of the Jewish rites and customs (even the name ‘Jew’) were designed as outward symbols of separation from the ungodly world.  Their purpose was to display a holy devotion of the heart and life to Jehovah.  For example, circumcision (the cutting off of the foreskin), was symbolic of mortification of the whole fleshly nature.  The point is that none of the outward, physical signs were of any value, unless an inward, invisible, spiritual change took place.  Once that change took place (as in the Christians at Rome), the other outward signs were no longer necessary.

Jeremiah 4:3-4 – For thus says the Lord to the men of Judah and Jerusalem: “Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns.  Circumcise yourselves to the Lord; remove the foreskin of your hearts…

See also Jeremiah 9:25-26, Ezekiel 44:6-9.

Romans 2:29 - But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter.  His praise is not from man but from God.

A Jew is one inwardly:  A true Jew is not defined by natural descent or by profession or by the external symbol of circumcision.  A true Jew is one who is separated from the world and committed to devout obedience to the holy commands of God.  The true mark of one who is obedient to God is circumcision of the heart and mind which is reflected in the way they live their lives:

• True servants of God have the law of God written on their hearts, not on tablets of stone. 
• True servants of God have internal holiness, not just external righteousness. 
• True servants of God bear their Father’s name in their inward nature, not just in outward titles.
• True servants of God worship God in spirit and in truth, not just in outward motions.   

In Jeremiah 31:33 God declares that his covenant would be firm and permanent only when written upon the inward heart/mind of each Jew.

Philippians 3:3-4 – For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh…

Circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit:  True circumcision is an inward, invisible change that takes place in the heart.  It is a cutting away of the sinful nature and the rejection of everything that is offensive to God.  It is the purification of the heart from all filthy lusts, evil desires and sinful motivations.  It is a separation from the heathen world, and of consecration to the Jehovah, the Holy God.

It is a circumcision that is performed by Holy Spirit, not the hands of men.

His praise is not from man but from God:  The Jews who lived during the time of Christ greatly desired honor from men.  They attempted to obtain it by being scrupulous in the performance of all the duties of religion (Matthew 6:1-6, Luke 18:10-14, Matthew 23). 

Outward performance of religion may indeed win the praise of mankind, but of what value is that?  It is infinitely better to practice inward spiritual obedience and thus gain the approval and praise of God, who will reward each man according to his works on the Day of Judgment.

Let me offer you some encouragement: 

What circumcision, sacrifices, and the temple were to the Jews of old, baptism, communion/the Lord's supper, and public assemblies to the professing Christians of today. 

Circumcision was a sign which pointed to the cutting away of sin and defilement from the heart of each person.  It was of no use to the Jews unless it was accompanied by a true inward change of the heart.

So it is with the rites of today’s church.  For instance, baptism in and of itself does not save you.  Baptism is an outward sign which testifies to the inward change you have experienced by asking Christ to be your Savior.  Being submersed in the water signifies death to your old nature.  Coming up out of the water signifies being born again into new spiritual life. 

You can be baptized every week if you want, but unless an inward change has been made through the power of Holy Spirit, it is a useless empty ritual.

As difficult as it may be, I strongly encourage you to take a look at the religious rites you perform and see if you are truly pleasing God.

For example, is communion simply something you do once a month ‘just because’, or does it have a special meaning for you?  Do you take it as quickly as possible to get the service over with, or do you desire to linger in the presence of God?     

You might want to examine your motives in worship, the Lord’s supper, bible reading, fasting and other religious activities.  Repent for any imperfections you find, and ask Holy Spirit to assist you in doing what pleases and honors the Father.  

Let me offer you some relief:  

The inward change spoken of in today’s post does not happen by accident.  Neither does it happen in our own strength (whew!).  According to Romans 2:29, it happens through the power of Holy Spirit.

We must work hand in hand with him to circumcise our hearts.  When was the last time you felt him calling you to make a change?  If it’s been a while since you heard him speaking to you, or if you haven’t been actively working to circumcise a part of your heart lately, it’s time you sat down and had an encounter with Holy Spirit.  He is standing by right now to lead you in the circumcision of your heart.   

Let me offer you some strength:  

The Jews were misunderstood and often ridiculed by the Gentiles for their unusual customs and religious beliefs.  As Christians, we should not be surprised to be treated the same way. 

Just like the Jews, we too refrain from many of the accepted practices of the world.  We are committed to serving the one true God, Jehovah.  We live by a moral code that is not common in our society.  The differences go on and on. 

But there is no reason to be troubled.  In fact, Jesus tells us to rejoice and be exceedingly glad when unbelievers speak evil about us or persecute us, because he will make sure that we are greatly rewarded in heaven (Matthew 5:11-12).