Word@Work Romans30 - Romans 3:27-31
Published: Tue, 09/27/11
Word@Work from BeaconLight
WHO CAN BOAST?
Romans 3:27-31 Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of observing the law? No, but on that of faith. For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law. Is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law. (NIV)
It is a habit, for many religious people, to feel good about themselves because they follow the rules of their religion. But it should be different for Christians. It is not our personal virtue, but faith in Jesus Christ which brings us into a relationship with God. We are accepted only by trusting in what Jesus has done, and not by relying on how good we are.
But what if you have been in the habit of boasting about your religion before you received Christ? Paul says that it is a bad habit, and it has to go! The truth is that God will receive everybody who comes through faith in Jesus Christ, irrespective of whether they have been good or bad, religious or evil hearted. God will justify all who trust in the sacrifice of His Son, on equal terms: all are sinners and Christ died for all. If Jesus Christ had not died then God would be unjust in forgiving us. But the punishment has been borne by Christ and so His justice is satisfied and we are justified.
These truths should produce a staggering humility in every believer. Alas, that is not always true. It is so important to check what we really believe about the basis of our faith, otherwise we will become like the proud Pharisees who Jesus rebuked. None of us has any right to appear superior to any other believer or, indeed, to an unbeliever. We have no merit to deserve the applause of men or God. Our only saving grace is that we believe what Jesus Christ has done for us. So pride must go out and humility must come in: that is good for our soul and very good for evangelism. Nobody is really interested to know how good you think you are, but some will be hungry to know how wonderful Jesus is!
Prayer: Gracious God. Thank You so much that my relationship with You and my eternal life does not depend on my perfection, but on the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Forgive me when I think of myself more highly than I ought, forgetting that apart from Jesus I have no righteousness and no hope. Please help me to practise true humility so that You will be honoured and Your gospel will be attractive to those in my home and workplace. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
It is a habit, for many religious people, to feel good about themselves because they follow the rules of their religion. But it should be different for Christians. It is not our personal virtue, but faith in Jesus Christ which brings us into a relationship with God. We are accepted only by trusting in what Jesus has done, and not by relying on how good we are.
But what if you have been in the habit of boasting about your religion before you received Christ? Paul says that it is a bad habit, and it has to go! The truth is that God will receive everybody who comes through faith in Jesus Christ, irrespective of whether they have been good or bad, religious or evil hearted. God will justify all who trust in the sacrifice of His Son, on equal terms: all are sinners and Christ died for all. If Jesus Christ had not died then God would be unjust in forgiving us. But the punishment has been borne by Christ and so His justice is satisfied and we are justified.
These truths should produce a staggering humility in every believer. Alas, that is not always true. It is so important to check what we really believe about the basis of our faith, otherwise we will become like the proud Pharisees who Jesus rebuked. None of us has any right to appear superior to any other believer or, indeed, to an unbeliever. We have no merit to deserve the applause of men or God. Our only saving grace is that we believe what Jesus Christ has done for us. So pride must go out and humility must come in: that is good for our soul and very good for evangelism. Nobody is really interested to know how good you think you are, but some will be hungry to know how wonderful Jesus is!
Prayer: Gracious God. Thank You so much that my relationship with You and my eternal life does not depend on my perfection, but on the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Forgive me when I think of myself more highly than I ought, forgetting that apart from Jesus I have no righteousness and no hope. Please help me to practise true humility so that You will be honoured and Your gospel will be attractive to those in my home and workplace. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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