Simple lessons from Romans – part 4
No one is good
If we perform a poll and ask people if they consider themselves a “good” person, most will probably answer yes. It is likely that this answer is based on their own standards, but are they using the correct standards?
In court procedures most defendants plead not guilty. They might think that their behavior was acceptable, but if that behavior is against a written code, they will be found guilty of breaking the law.
According to the standards established by God all people have sinned, and we are all guilty.
There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one. Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit. The poison of vipers is on their lips. Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness. Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery mark their ways, and the way of peace they do not know. There is no fear of God before their eyes. – Romans 3:10-18
You might say “This does not fit my description”, but one way or another we are, or we were, somehow described by these words. But if you still insist to be a “good” person look at what Jesus said:
“Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good–except God alone“. – Mark 10:18
and
whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. – John 3:18
Court procedures are not defined by what is the defendant’s understanding of the law, but by what is defined on the written codes. The same thing happens with God’s law.
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God – Romans 3:23
I know what you are thinking: “What are my options if no matter what I do I will never be considered a ‘good’ person?” Don’t worry. God took care of that.
But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God – Romans 3:21-23
According to God’s law we have been found guilty. But, as some justice system has adopted the concept of “presidential pardon” for forgiveness of a crime and the penalty associated with it, God has established “celestial pardon” for all those who have faith in Jesus Christ.
There is no lengthy process or waiting time required, only sincere repentance and faith.
[we]are [all] justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.- Romans 3:24
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