Word@Work Romans24 - Romans 3:5-8
Published: Mon, 09/19/11
Word@Work from BeaconLight
WHAT IS GOD LIKE?
Romans 3:5-8 But if our unrighteousness brings out God's righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.) Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world? Someone might argue, "If my falsehood enhances God's truthfulness and so increases his glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner?" Why not say--as we are being slanderously reported as saying and as some claim that we say--"Let us do evil that good may result"? Their condemnation is deserved. (NIV)
This seems to be a technical, almost legal, argument. But it is important. If human beings can never be perfect (we are all sinners), and God is shown to be the only righteous One, does my sinfulness contrast against His holiness to enhance His glory? If that were so, how can it be fair for God to judge those who tried hard but failed to be perfect?
It is true that there is a huge contrast between the unrighteousness of mankind and the righteousness of God. It is also true that God is glorious, not because He is better than us, but by His Divine nature. Even if we were perfect, He would still be blindingly glorious. He is perfectly righteous to judge us, because He is perfectly right. So those who say that, "It is good to sin so that God might be glorified in forgiving me", are wrong. They do not understand the character of God and cannot be in a right relationship with Him.
Christless religion is always legalistic. Rules are set up and the 'best effort' is applauded. But God does not work like that. He is always right, His glory is always awesome and everyone that is not righteous stands condemned (John 3:18-20). Although it is difficult for many people to accept that they are sinners, it is the truth. Without that confession there can be no salvation. But repentance over sin and faith in Jesus Christ who died, being punished for our sins, will open the door to eternal life (www.crosscheck.org.uk). So do not be afraid to tell your friends and colleagues about the character of God, and the salvation which comes through faith in Jesus.
Prayer: Holy God. Thank You for Your unchanging, awesome, glorious, righteous, eternal character - intolerant of sin yet swift to forgive those who are humble and contrite. Forgive me when I have brought You down to my own level, and tried to argue against Your rights over me. Help me to grow in my knowledge of You. Help me to shape my behaviour according to Your character and not my own standards. Enable me to tell my friends who You really are, so that they can come to repentance and faith in Jesus. In His Name. Amen.
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This seems to be a technical, almost legal, argument. But it is important. If human beings can never be perfect (we are all sinners), and God is shown to be the only righteous One, does my sinfulness contrast against His holiness to enhance His glory? If that were so, how can it be fair for God to judge those who tried hard but failed to be perfect?
It is true that there is a huge contrast between the unrighteousness of mankind and the righteousness of God. It is also true that God is glorious, not because He is better than us, but by His Divine nature. Even if we were perfect, He would still be blindingly glorious. He is perfectly righteous to judge us, because He is perfectly right. So those who say that, "It is good to sin so that God might be glorified in forgiving me", are wrong. They do not understand the character of God and cannot be in a right relationship with Him.
Christless religion is always legalistic. Rules are set up and the 'best effort' is applauded. But God does not work like that. He is always right, His glory is always awesome and everyone that is not righteous stands condemned (John 3:18-20). Although it is difficult for many people to accept that they are sinners, it is the truth. Without that confession there can be no salvation. But repentance over sin and faith in Jesus Christ who died, being punished for our sins, will open the door to eternal life (www.crosscheck.org.uk). So do not be afraid to tell your friends and colleagues about the character of God, and the salvation which comes through faith in Jesus.
Prayer: Holy God. Thank You for Your unchanging, awesome, glorious, righteous, eternal character - intolerant of sin yet swift to forgive those who are humble and contrite. Forgive me when I have brought You down to my own level, and tried to argue against Your rights over me. Help me to grow in my knowledge of You. Help me to shape my behaviour according to Your character and not my own standards. Enable me to tell my friends who You really are, so that they can come to repentance and faith in Jesus. In His Name. Amen.
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