HIS GRACE IS ENOUGH: The Sufficiency of Abounding Grace for Sin’s Consequences
When we come to Christ by faith, we are justified—placed in right standing with God—and no longer fear sin’s condemnation. God’s grace is enough—indeed, more than enough! Yet, that does not mean we can evade dealing with all the temporal consequences of sin.
Even after salvation, we must for the time being live in a world under the curse of sin. Because of this, our bodies get sick, we age, and we die physically. Though, the believer has God’s Spirit indwelling him or her, He indwells a temple of flesh, beset by human frailty. There is an ongoing struggle with selfishness and that self-centeredness degrades our relationships.
From without, we see a world that is rushing toward Armageddon and all around us are the consequences of the curse. How do we face the assault of the world, the flesh and the devil? How do we deal with our weakness?
Paul wrote elsewhere of his thorn in the flesh. He prayed three times for God to heal him. Do you know what God did? He didn’t heal him, but He did something infinitely better: He gave the Apostle grace! God told His loyal servant, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor.12:9). So, Paul said in effect, “Glory to God! His grace is enough!”
I don’t know what struggles you are facing today. I don’t know how immeasurable the pressure, how incredible the pain, how immense the problem, but I know this, dear child of God: His grace is enough!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
HIS GRACE IS ENOUGH: The Sufficiency of Abounding Grace for Sin’s Condemnation
For the fifth and final time in verse twenty of Romans chapter five, Paul uses this expression, “much more.” He says, "Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more” [emphasis added].
Yes, sin abounds—it’s everywhere and in everyone. But, where sin abounds, grace abounds “much more.” That is the sufficiency of abounding grace!
It is more than sufficient FOR SIN’S CONDEMNATION. Paul speaks of how God’s holy law condemns us—nothing wrong with the law—it is as perfect as the God who gave it. The problem is with us—that it merely exposes us as the lawbreakers we are.
In fact, far from being able to make us righteous, it inspires our wicked hearts to do evil—the offense abounds as Paul says. I recall my first trip to Disneyworld. We came to a part of the Magic Kingdom where you walked across a wooden bridge, suspended by cables, across a small lagoon. This gave a bit of a bounce in your step, but there was a warning clearly posted, “Do not jump on the bridge.” Why, the thought would have never entered my mind! But, as soon as I read it, guess what I felt compelled to do? Of course, the problem wasn’t with the sign, nor with the one who posted it, but with my bent to rebellion. So it is with God’s holy law. The issue isn’t with the law, neither the One who gave it, but with the nature of Adam which we all share.
Therefore, in large ways and small, we are all sinners and sin condemns us to death. That’s terrible news! But God’s grace is greater than all our sin! That is terrific news! He forgives us and cleanses us, so that "there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus"! (Romans 8:1)
For the fifth and final time in verse twenty of Romans chapter five, Paul uses this expression, “much more.” He says, "Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more” [emphasis added].
Yes, sin abounds—it’s everywhere and in everyone. But, where sin abounds, grace abounds “much more.” That is the sufficiency of abounding grace!
It is more than sufficient FOR SIN’S CONDEMNATION. Paul speaks of how God’s holy law condemns us—nothing wrong with the law—it is as perfect as the God who gave it. The problem is with us—that it merely exposes us as the lawbreakers we are.
In fact, far from being able to make us righteous, it inspires our wicked hearts to do evil—the offense abounds as Paul says. I recall my first trip to Disneyworld. We came to a part of the Magic Kingdom where you walked across a wooden bridge, suspended by cables, across a small lagoon. This gave a bit of a bounce in your step, but there was a warning clearly posted, “Do not jump on the bridge.” Why, the thought would have never entered my mind! But, as soon as I read it, guess what I felt compelled to do? Of course, the problem wasn’t with the sign, nor with the one who posted it, but with my bent to rebellion. So it is with God’s holy law. The issue isn’t with the law, neither the One who gave it, but with the nature of Adam which we all share.
Therefore, in large ways and small, we are all sinners and sin condemns us to death. That’s terrible news! But God’s grace is greater than all our sin! That is terrific news! He forgives us and cleanses us, so that "there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus"! (Romans 8:1)
Monday, March 29, 2010
HIS GRACE IS ENOUGH
There was a man who, as a teenager, did what many have been known to do—he ran away from home. He became a crewman on a slave ship. He himself wound up as a slave to an African woman, who severely mistreated him and he nearly starved to death. But, the man escaped and managed to become a sea captain of a slave ship. His life was as wicked and vile as could be.
Yet, one night his vessel almost sank during a violent storm. When all hope seemed gone, he cried out to God. They made it through the storm. It was a turning point for the captain. Afterward he began reading his Bible and was converted to Christ.
You may not know the story. Perhaps you wouldn’t even recognize his name. But, multitudes around the world would recognize his renowned hymn, “Amazing Grace.”
On his tombstone is inscribed:
John Newton discovered, that even for a sinner like him, God’s grace is enough. That is the very subject before us in Romans 5, and as we come to the close of the chapter we find these powerful words:
20 Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more,
21 so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
There was a man who, as a teenager, did what many have been known to do—he ran away from home. He became a crewman on a slave ship. He himself wound up as a slave to an African woman, who severely mistreated him and he nearly starved to death. But, the man escaped and managed to become a sea captain of a slave ship. His life was as wicked and vile as could be.
Yet, one night his vessel almost sank during a violent storm. When all hope seemed gone, he cried out to God. They made it through the storm. It was a turning point for the captain. Afterward he began reading his Bible and was converted to Christ.
You may not know the story. Perhaps you wouldn’t even recognize his name. But, multitudes around the world would recognize his renowned hymn, “Amazing Grace.”
On his tombstone is inscribed:
“John Newton, Clerk,
Once an infidel and libertine,
A servant of slaves in Africa,
Was, by the rich mercy of our Lord and Saviour,
Jesus Christ,
Preserved, restored, pardoned,
And appointed to preach the faith
He had long labored to destroy.”
John Newton discovered, that even for a sinner like him, God’s grace is enough. That is the very subject before us in Romans 5, and as we come to the close of the chapter we find these powerful words:
20 Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more,
21 so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
ABUNDANT LIFE IN CHRIST: His Reigning Position
For the fifth and final time, Paul uses the expression “much more” in Romans, chapter five. In verses 20-21, he writes, “Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
The key word is EXALTED—that is, we are reigning with Him. We hear the word, “reign” used here, and the Apostle has used the term previously in this chapter. For the believer to experience the abundant life, means that he or she, understands Christ’s exalted position and our position in Him.
Today, Satan is a usurper—he has taken that which is not his. God placed Adam and Eve in the garden and gave them dominion over it. They were to be stewards of God’s creation. But, when they disobeyed God, they stepped aside from that and Satan took over. Now, he works frantically, because his time is short. He knows that he is beaten and so he seeks to tear down all he can and drag down as many to hell as he can. We see the devastating effects of his “scorched earth” policy everywhere.
But, here’s the good news! Where sin abounds, grace does much more abound. God’s grace will ultimately triumph. The dominion Adam forfeited due to disobedience, will be reclaimed in Christ through His obedience on the cross. One day, He will reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.
Just remember that there is nothing over our head that is under His feet—and that’s everything!
For the fifth and final time, Paul uses the expression “much more” in Romans, chapter five. In verses 20-21, he writes, “Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
The key word is EXALTED—that is, we are reigning with Him. We hear the word, “reign” used here, and the Apostle has used the term previously in this chapter. For the believer to experience the abundant life, means that he or she, understands Christ’s exalted position and our position in Him.
Today, Satan is a usurper—he has taken that which is not his. God placed Adam and Eve in the garden and gave them dominion over it. They were to be stewards of God’s creation. But, when they disobeyed God, they stepped aside from that and Satan took over. Now, he works frantically, because his time is short. He knows that he is beaten and so he seeks to tear down all he can and drag down as many to hell as he can. We see the devastating effects of his “scorched earth” policy everywhere.
But, here’s the good news! Where sin abounds, grace does much more abound. God’s grace will ultimately triumph. The dominion Adam forfeited due to disobedience, will be reclaimed in Christ through His obedience on the cross. One day, He will reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.
Just remember that there is nothing over our head that is under His feet—and that’s everything!
Friday, March 26, 2010
ABUNDANT LIFE IN CHRIST: His Resurrecting Power
For a fourth time, the Apostle Paul uses the expression, “much more” to signify the abundant life in Christ which is the birthright of every child of God, as he pens the fifth chapter of the epistle to the Romans.
The key word is GLORIFIED—that is, we are risen through Him. Again, though the word glorified isn’t found in these verses, the implication is clearly there as Paul speaks of life—eternal life. To be glorified is to be raised from the dead and all that comes with that transformation. Spiritually, that happened when we were justified, and as far as God is concerned it is a settled matter that we will be literally raised and transformed some day. The Apostle tells us that death held dominion because of Adam’s sin, but because of Christ’s resurrection death has been defeated! Jesus promise is, “Because I live, you shall live also!”
We can sing triumphantly, the concluding words of 1 Corinthians 15:
For a fourth time, the Apostle Paul uses the expression, “much more” to signify the abundant life in Christ which is the birthright of every child of God, as he pens the fifth chapter of the epistle to the Romans.
17 For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.)
18 Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life.
19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous. (v.17-19 NKJV)
The key word is GLORIFIED—that is, we are risen through Him. Again, though the word glorified isn’t found in these verses, the implication is clearly there as Paul speaks of life—eternal life. To be glorified is to be raised from the dead and all that comes with that transformation. Spiritually, that happened when we were justified, and as far as God is concerned it is a settled matter that we will be literally raised and transformed some day. The Apostle tells us that death held dominion because of Adam’s sin, but because of Christ’s resurrection death has been defeated! Jesus promise is, “Because I live, you shall live also!”
We can sing triumphantly, the concluding words of 1 Corinthians 15:
54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”
55 “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?”
56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.
57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (v.54-58 NKJV)
BAD NEWS, GOOD NEWS
Here is a devotional sent out from SermonSearch that every preacher needs to read!
Here is a devotional sent out from SermonSearch that every preacher needs to read!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Bad News, Good News
Ron Walters
Good Morning,
Jeremiah would have made a great radio broadcaster. His program would certainly generate a lot of negative mail, but it would be worth it. More than any other Old Testament prophet, his unpopular messages served as Judah's emergency broadcast system. But, even though his warnings were designed for national security, many in that day wished he would just shut-up!
Jerusalem's church crowd resented his sermons but they wouldn't have missed one. They tuned in daily to hear what the colorful, yet fiery, prophet would say next. His stuff was the talk of the town. More times than not his prophecies were loaded with bad news. But not always.
For forty years he had faithfully predicted God's judgment on apostate Judah. And, year after year, hostility mounted to his doom-filled messages. His Temple privileges were revoked. His prophetic writings were seized and destroyed. Arrest warrants were issued. His zealous rivals sabotaged his work. He was abducted, publicly humiliated, tossed down a pit and imprisoned.
More than once he wanted to resign the office of Prophet, but God wouldn't let him. So, he just kept doing the one thing he was born to do.
The inflammatory text that fueled his critics was always the same: "Time is running out. Repent, for judgment is coming." Jeremiah's repetitive warnings became the constant, rhythmic sound of God's clock winding down. Tick...tick...tick...tick... And every ticking moment haunted the Jews.
Few biblical orators have ever used imagery as effectively as the weeping prophet. Judah gasped when Jeremiah said, "The Lord has covered Himself with a cloud so that your prayers will not pass through." They cringed when he announced, "You've eaten delicacies, but now you'll embrace only ash heaps." They wept when they heard, "The tongue of your infant will cling to the roof of its mouth for thirst. Judgment is near."
Tick...tick...tick...tick...
And, sure enough-time did run out. Judgment arrived and Judah was carted off into captivity.
Unpopular messages have always been a staple with the prophets of God. And, not surprisingly, they're rarely the favorites among God's people. Repentance has never been what people want. But repentance has always been what people need.
Even the Lord lost audiences with unpopular messages. The John 6 crowd, miraculously fed, oh-h-h-h'ed and ah-h-h-h'ed over His ability to cater a fish banquet from a kid's sack lunch. But the after-dinner conversation of "Eat My Flesh and Drink My Blood," was a real turn-off. Spiritual indigestion broke out everywhere.
Jesus' critics wrestled with two questions: "Why did He have to spoil a good meal with preaching like that?" And, "How can I get another plate of fish...it's delicious!"
Tick...tick...tick...tick...
Even the Lord's disciples struggled with His unpopular approach. He asked them, "Does this offend you?" Their clumsy silence shouted, "Yes, as a matter of fact, it does!"
Tick...tick...tick...tick...
But unpopular messages don't have to be hopeless messages. Bad news is not always fatal news. Jeremiah, for instance, gave good news after Judah's thundering collapse. "I have hope. The Lord's loving-kindness never ceases. His compassions never fail, for they are new every morning. Great is Thy faithfulness. Therefore I have hope in Him." Even the most unpopular messages can have happy endings.
Strong medicine was never designed to taste good. It was designed to cure the patient. And as long as there's a pulse, we still have time for a recovery.
Tick...tick...tick...tick...
Blessings,
Ron Walters
Vice President of Church Relations
Thursday, March 25, 2010
ABUNDANT LIFE IN CHRIST: His Restoring Grace
In the fifth chapter of Romans, Paul mentions a third “much more” of the abundant life in verses twelve through sixteen.
The key word is SANCTIFIED—that is, we are righteous in Him. Though the term “sanctified” isn’t used here, the truth of sanctification is taught. It means that we have been set apart by God for God. We have been made holy in Him and for Him.
Paul alludes to the fact that in Adam—through one man—all of us are sinners under the penalty of death. In Christ—through one man—all of us are saints with the possession of life.
But, much more—for not only is the debt of sin cancelled, but righteousness is deposited to our credit! This is abounding, overflowing grace. What we lost in Adam is restored by Christ. Adam was driven from paradise by the righteous government of God’s law and we are welcomed back to paradise by the restoring grace of God’s love!
I used to have a line of credit on my home that I could draw on—an equity line. I really enjoyed that until I spent it all. Well, it was fun while it lasted. But so much more, Christ’s grace is a limitless line of credit. You cannot bankrupt Him! He has an inexhaustible supply—and it is available for you today. The much more part is that the more you have drawn upon it, you find the more His righteousness working in you and through you. That’s Christ’s restoring grace!
In the fifth chapter of Romans, Paul mentions a third “much more” of the abundant life in verses twelve through sixteen.
12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—
13 (For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come.
15 But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many.
16 And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification. (NKJV)
The key word is SANCTIFIED—that is, we are righteous in Him. Though the term “sanctified” isn’t used here, the truth of sanctification is taught. It means that we have been set apart by God for God. We have been made holy in Him and for Him.
Paul alludes to the fact that in Adam—through one man—all of us are sinners under the penalty of death. In Christ—through one man—all of us are saints with the possession of life.
But, much more—for not only is the debt of sin cancelled, but righteousness is deposited to our credit! This is abounding, overflowing grace. What we lost in Adam is restored by Christ. Adam was driven from paradise by the righteous government of God’s law and we are welcomed back to paradise by the restoring grace of God’s love!
I used to have a line of credit on my home that I could draw on—an equity line. I really enjoyed that until I spent it all. Well, it was fun while it lasted. But so much more, Christ’s grace is a limitless line of credit. You cannot bankrupt Him! He has an inexhaustible supply—and it is available for you today. The much more part is that the more you have drawn upon it, you find the more His righteousness working in you and through you. That’s Christ’s restoring grace!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
ABUNDANT LIFE IN CHRIST: His Reconciling Death
The second time Paul uses the expression, “much more” in Romans Five, he is speaking of the “much more” of Christ’s reconciling death. He states, “For if, being enemies, we have been reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much rather, having been reconciled, we shall be saved in the power of his life. And not only that, but we are making our boast in God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom now we have received the reconciliation.” (v.10-11).
The key word is RECONCILED—that is, we are reconciled to Him. Before salvation, we were God’s enemies. But, the death of Jesus made it possible to bring us back to God—through His death reconciliation is possible.
God loved us while we were yet sinners. We were enemies toward God, but, thankfully He wasn’t an enemy toward us. Paul’s argument here is that if He loved us that much while we were His foes, how much more does He love us now that we are His family! “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (v.8). If He loved us enough to send His Son to die for us while we were yet sinners, how much more does He loves is now that we are sons!
But, it isn’t just His death that has reconciled us, but—here’s a new twist on the topic—His life. This unusual expression found in verse ten is that reconciled by His death, we are “saved by His life.” We are given salvation by His death, but we are guaranteed salvation by His life. His redeeming love has saved us, but His resurrection life has secured us! The Bible says, “He always lives to make intercession for them.” (Heb.7:25). John tells us that even if we sin after salvation, “we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the Righteous” (1 John 2:1). He pleads our case. Best of all, Christ has never lost in God’s courtroom. Not one of the accused has ever been found guilty! All He does is display the evidence of the nail prints in His hands and the gavel of God’s justice falls and the Judge of all declares, “Not guilty! Case dismissed!”
The second time Paul uses the expression, “much more” in Romans Five, he is speaking of the “much more” of Christ’s reconciling death. He states, “For if, being enemies, we have been reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much rather, having been reconciled, we shall be saved in the power of his life. And not only that, but we are making our boast in God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom now we have received the reconciliation.” (v.10-11).
The key word is RECONCILED—that is, we are reconciled to Him. Before salvation, we were God’s enemies. But, the death of Jesus made it possible to bring us back to God—through His death reconciliation is possible.
God loved us while we were yet sinners. We were enemies toward God, but, thankfully He wasn’t an enemy toward us. Paul’s argument here is that if He loved us that much while we were His foes, how much more does He love us now that we are His family! “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (v.8). If He loved us enough to send His Son to die for us while we were yet sinners, how much more does He loves is now that we are sons!
But, it isn’t just His death that has reconciled us, but—here’s a new twist on the topic—His life. This unusual expression found in verse ten is that reconciled by His death, we are “saved by His life.” We are given salvation by His death, but we are guaranteed salvation by His life. His redeeming love has saved us, but His resurrection life has secured us! The Bible says, “He always lives to make intercession for them.” (Heb.7:25). John tells us that even if we sin after salvation, “we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the Righteous” (1 John 2:1). He pleads our case. Best of all, Christ has never lost in God’s courtroom. Not one of the accused has ever been found guilty! All He does is display the evidence of the nail prints in His hands and the gavel of God’s justice falls and the Judge of all declares, “Not guilty! Case dismissed!”
ABUNDANT LIFE IN CHRIST: His Redeeming Blood
Five times, the Apostle Paul underscores the abundant life in Christ by using the phrase, “much more” in the fifth chapter of Romans. In the first case, he refers to the “much more” of Christ’s redeeming blood. He writes, “Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.” (v.9)
The key word is JUSTIFIED—that is, we are redeemed by Him. Justification is the judicial act of God whereby He decrees that we are free from the penalty of sin—that though we are condemned sinners, we have been pardoned and made to be just in the sight of a Holy God. This was all because of Christ’s blood shed for us. Sin demanded a payment, and Christ paid the debt in full. God’s justice is satisfied.
We aren’t merely paroled, but we are pardoned. When you’re on parole, you’re out of jail on good behavior and can remain out so long as you keep your nose clean. One violation and you’re back in prison. This is the false idea some have about salvation—they live in constant fear that they may mess up and miss heaven. Friend, if you have been redeemed by the blood of Christ, you are completely pardoned. You are absolved of all guilt! Paul says we shall be saved from wrath. What blessed assurance! But, there is much more! Much more…tomorrow in Romans Five…stay tuned!
Five times, the Apostle Paul underscores the abundant life in Christ by using the phrase, “much more” in the fifth chapter of Romans. In the first case, he refers to the “much more” of Christ’s redeeming blood. He writes, “Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.” (v.9)
The key word is JUSTIFIED—that is, we are redeemed by Him. Justification is the judicial act of God whereby He decrees that we are free from the penalty of sin—that though we are condemned sinners, we have been pardoned and made to be just in the sight of a Holy God. This was all because of Christ’s blood shed for us. Sin demanded a payment, and Christ paid the debt in full. God’s justice is satisfied.
We aren’t merely paroled, but we are pardoned. When you’re on parole, you’re out of jail on good behavior and can remain out so long as you keep your nose clean. One violation and you’re back in prison. This is the false idea some have about salvation—they live in constant fear that they may mess up and miss heaven. Friend, if you have been redeemed by the blood of Christ, you are completely pardoned. You are absolved of all guilt! Paul says we shall be saved from wrath. What blessed assurance! But, there is much more! Much more…tomorrow in Romans Five…stay tuned!
Monday, March 22, 2010
ABUNDANT LIFE IN CHRIST
I heard Adrian Rogers tell of an old fellow who had never seen the ocean. His family kept insisting that before he died, he needed to see the ocean one time. So, they finally persuaded him and they packed up and headed for the beach. The area where they were staying was among a lot of huge ocean front high-rise apartments—heavily developed—so, as they drove into their condo complex where they would spend the week, there was a narrow opening between the buildings where you could see the ocean waves rolling in. They stopped and said, “Look Daddy, there’s the ocean!” The old-timer looked through the corridor and said, “Is that all there is to it?”
He did not realize from his narrow perspective that there was so much more—the vastness of what stretched beyond even the horizon, three-fourths of the planet blanketed by water. So, from our point of view, we may fail to recognize that no matter what we know of God’s boundless grace—the vast sea of His salvation—that there is so much more! Indeed, Paul uses this expression, "much more" five times in Romans 5:9-21.
Each day this week, we plan to examine one of these “much more” statements. Christ has come to give us abundant life! (John 10:10).
I heard Adrian Rogers tell of an old fellow who had never seen the ocean. His family kept insisting that before he died, he needed to see the ocean one time. So, they finally persuaded him and they packed up and headed for the beach. The area where they were staying was among a lot of huge ocean front high-rise apartments—heavily developed—so, as they drove into their condo complex where they would spend the week, there was a narrow opening between the buildings where you could see the ocean waves rolling in. They stopped and said, “Look Daddy, there’s the ocean!” The old-timer looked through the corridor and said, “Is that all there is to it?”
He did not realize from his narrow perspective that there was so much more—the vastness of what stretched beyond even the horizon, three-fourths of the planet blanketed by water. So, from our point of view, we may fail to recognize that no matter what we know of God’s boundless grace—the vast sea of His salvation—that there is so much more! Indeed, Paul uses this expression, "much more" five times in Romans 5:9-21.
9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.
10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.
11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.
12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—
13 (For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come.
15 But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many.
16 And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification.
17 For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.)
18 Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life.
19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.
20 Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more,
21 so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (emphasis added)
Each day this week, we plan to examine one of these “much more” statements. Christ has come to give us abundant life! (John 10:10).
Friday, March 19, 2010
YOU CAN HAVE PEACE WITH GOD: Christ is our Peace
Adrian Rogers told the story of a young lady years ago working for the Salvation Army in a poor neighborhood. She witnessed to one family repeatedly. But she made no headway, as the father was an atheist. The son grew ill—critically ill. He was dying at home and the girl went back one more time to try to share the Gospel with them and thus, comfort them. As she came to the door she heard the boy ask his father, “Dad, am I going to die?” The father answered, “Yes, you’re going to die, but don’t worry, after you die it will all be over—that will be the end. I love you, son—just hold on.” The boy said, “But I’m afraid and I don’t want to die!” To this his father replied, “Son, it will be over in a moment. Just hold on—hold on.” Then she heard the boy pathetically say, “Father, you’re telling me to hold on, but there’s nothing to hold on to.”
If you have not reached up a hand of faith to the hand of grace reaching down, then you are but a step away from the eternal abyss without anything to hold on to. You are in danger of dropping into that Stygian darkness where there is only despair. There will not be a moment’s peace—not for a million years, not for a trillion—not ever.
Do you have peace with God? That peace is found in a Person. “For [Christ] is our peace…” (Ephesians 2:14).
Adrian Rogers told the story of a young lady years ago working for the Salvation Army in a poor neighborhood. She witnessed to one family repeatedly. But she made no headway, as the father was an atheist. The son grew ill—critically ill. He was dying at home and the girl went back one more time to try to share the Gospel with them and thus, comfort them. As she came to the door she heard the boy ask his father, “Dad, am I going to die?” The father answered, “Yes, you’re going to die, but don’t worry, after you die it will all be over—that will be the end. I love you, son—just hold on.” The boy said, “But I’m afraid and I don’t want to die!” To this his father replied, “Son, it will be over in a moment. Just hold on—hold on.” Then she heard the boy pathetically say, “Father, you’re telling me to hold on, but there’s nothing to hold on to.”
If you have not reached up a hand of faith to the hand of grace reaching down, then you are but a step away from the eternal abyss without anything to hold on to. You are in danger of dropping into that Stygian darkness where there is only despair. There will not be a moment’s peace—not for a million years, not for a trillion—not ever.
Do you have peace with God? That peace is found in a Person. “For [Christ] is our peace…” (Ephesians 2:14).
Thursday, March 18, 2010
We Can’t Help But Tell the Truth
Here's a recent article from the Kairos Journal that cries to be read:
The world has asked the Church to sit down and be quiet, and the Church has largely complied. In fact, the Church itself has asked the Church to sit down and be quiet, and the Church has largely obeyed. The Church knows so many biblical things, but there are so many people who hate to hear them. So some pastors and teachers are tempted to water down the truth to maintain warm relationships within and without the Church.
Knowing that the truth of Jesus would undermine their authority, “the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees” (4:1) moved in to stop this preaching. They arrested Peter and John, jailed them overnight, and then brought them before the high priestly family. When asked, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” Peter, “filled with the Holy Spirit,” gave all the credit to Christ, the Savior (4:8-12).
Not knowing what to say, the Sanhedrin sent Peter and John back to their cell. Fearing public and subsequent Roman reaction, they decided to let the two apostles off with a stern command (parangelia) to stop their teaching, but the prisoners would have none of this. They explained that they were working under a higher authority than the Sanhedrin (and the Romans) and that they had a proclamation mandate from God.1 They also directed the judges to judge their own judging, to ask whether they might be setting themselves at odds with God.
This same Greek word for command (parangelia) appears repeatedly in the Gospels, but it is Jesus, and not the Sanhedrin, who issues the directives. In Matthew 10:5-6, Jesus commands the twelve to go to “the lost sheep of Israel.” In Luke 8:29, He commands an unclean spirit to come out of a man. In Mark 8:6, Jesus commands the crowd to be seated for a miraculous feeding. Thus accustomed to the divine commands of Jesus, the apostles were unimpressed with human commands contrary to Jesus’ Great Commission.
The Romans had delegated authority to the Sanhedrin, the Jewish religious court, but this authority was tenuous. If the actions of the chief priests and elders fomented insurrection or chaos, then their power would be stripped from them. Rome would step in with more direct, secular supervision.
Jesus’ directives are distasteful and inconvenient. For example, pastors know that a strong stand on the sanctity of marriage, one drawn from Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, elicits astonishment and contempt from the culture and retaliation from the “wounded” and their biblically indifferent constituency in the Church. Similar backlash can fall upon pastors who discredit cults and embarrass the backslidden. Pressure also arises outside the Church. In the face of many counter-biblical forces, pastors have to decide whether or not they will stand in the tradition of Peter and John or fall down in the interest of personal safety or “peace in our time.”
Footnotes:
1 See Kairos Journal article, "A Question of Government."
Here's a recent article from the Kairos Journal that cries to be read:
18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. 20 For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:18-20 (NIV)
The world has asked the Church to sit down and be quiet, and the Church has largely complied. In fact, the Church itself has asked the Church to sit down and be quiet, and the Church has largely obeyed. The Church knows so many biblical things, but there are so many people who hate to hear them. So some pastors and teachers are tempted to water down the truth to maintain warm relationships within and without the Church.
Knowing that the truth of Jesus would undermine their authority, “the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees” (4:1) moved in to stop this preaching. They arrested Peter and John, jailed them overnight, and then brought them before the high priestly family. When asked, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” Peter, “filled with the Holy Spirit,” gave all the credit to Christ, the Savior (4:8-12).
Not knowing what to say, the Sanhedrin sent Peter and John back to their cell. Fearing public and subsequent Roman reaction, they decided to let the two apostles off with a stern command (parangelia) to stop their teaching, but the prisoners would have none of this. They explained that they were working under a higher authority than the Sanhedrin (and the Romans) and that they had a proclamation mandate from God.1 They also directed the judges to judge their own judging, to ask whether they might be setting themselves at odds with God.
This same Greek word for command (parangelia) appears repeatedly in the Gospels, but it is Jesus, and not the Sanhedrin, who issues the directives. In Matthew 10:5-6, Jesus commands the twelve to go to “the lost sheep of Israel.” In Luke 8:29, He commands an unclean spirit to come out of a man. In Mark 8:6, Jesus commands the crowd to be seated for a miraculous feeding. Thus accustomed to the divine commands of Jesus, the apostles were unimpressed with human commands contrary to Jesus’ Great Commission.
The Romans had delegated authority to the Sanhedrin, the Jewish religious court, but this authority was tenuous. If the actions of the chief priests and elders fomented insurrection or chaos, then their power would be stripped from them. Rome would step in with more direct, secular supervision.
Jesus’ directives are distasteful and inconvenient. For example, pastors know that a strong stand on the sanctity of marriage, one drawn from Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, elicits astonishment and contempt from the culture and retaliation from the “wounded” and their biblically indifferent constituency in the Church. Similar backlash can fall upon pastors who discredit cults and embarrass the backslidden. Pressure also arises outside the Church. In the face of many counter-biblical forces, pastors have to decide whether or not they will stand in the tradition of Peter and John or fall down in the interest of personal safety or “peace in our time.”
Footnotes:
1 See Kairos Journal article, "A Question of Government."
YOU CAN HAVE PEACE WITH GOD: Through the Promise of the Cross
The promise of the cross is that of reconciliation to God. Think of the vertical beam of the cross reaching up to heaven and the horizontal beam reaching out to humanity—and at the intersection of the two, there hangs the “one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus” (1 Tim.2:5). Paul has penned these words in Romans 5:7-11:
Bible teacher, Warren Wiersbe, has written: “In Romans 1:18–32, Paul explained how men declared war on God and, because of this, deserved to be condemned eternally. But God did not declare war on man. Instead, He sent His Son as the Peacemaker (Eph. 2:11–18) that men might be reconciled to God.” God is reconciled to you, and now appeals for you to be reconciled to Him.
Ulysses S. Grant, former President of the United States and famed Civil War general, surrounded Fort Donelson and when it was apparent the Confederate troops could not “hold the fort” the request was made to Grant, “What are your terms of surrender?” His response was, “No terms except unconditional and immediate surrender can be accepted.” Thereafter, U.S. Grant became known as, “Unconditional Surrender” Grant.
We have an “Unconditional Surrender” God! If you want peace, you must lay down your arms—stop your war against the will of God—and accept his demand for unconditional surrender. There can be no terms—no negotiation—no compromise—and there can be no peace until you do.
The promise of the cross is that of reconciliation to God. Think of the vertical beam of the cross reaching up to heaven and the horizontal beam reaching out to humanity—and at the intersection of the two, there hangs the “one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus” (1 Tim.2:5). Paul has penned these words in Romans 5:7-11:
7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die.
8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.
10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.
11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.
Bible teacher, Warren Wiersbe, has written: “In Romans 1:18–32, Paul explained how men declared war on God and, because of this, deserved to be condemned eternally. But God did not declare war on man. Instead, He sent His Son as the Peacemaker (Eph. 2:11–18) that men might be reconciled to God.” God is reconciled to you, and now appeals for you to be reconciled to Him.
Ulysses S. Grant, former President of the United States and famed Civil War general, surrounded Fort Donelson and when it was apparent the Confederate troops could not “hold the fort” the request was made to Grant, “What are your terms of surrender?” His response was, “No terms except unconditional and immediate surrender can be accepted.” Thereafter, U.S. Grant became known as, “Unconditional Surrender” Grant.
We have an “Unconditional Surrender” God! If you want peace, you must lay down your arms—stop your war against the will of God—and accept his demand for unconditional surrender. There can be no terms—no negotiation—no compromise—and there can be no peace until you do.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
YOU CAN HAVE PEACE WITH GOD: Through the Power of the Cross
If you were to be on the ocean during a hurricane, you would see waves mount up and crash down—a seething cauldron of water—winds howling and rain driven sideways in stinging sheets. But, if you were to go deep enough, you would find in the ocean depths, peace—a region unaffected by the tempest on the surface. So, it is for the child of God. The turbulent trials of life may rage like a storm around us, but deep inside we have God’s peace.
This is what Paul is describing in Romans 5:3-6:
This firm foundation of faith in Christ enables us to have peace even in great difficulty. How in this world can we talk about peace in the midst of a storm? It is truly a peace that surpasses human understanding. We may not be able to explain it, but we can experience it! I can’t explain electricity, but I’m not going to sit in the dark until I do.
Being a Christian doesn’t exempt us from trouble, but it does enable us in trouble—we are weak, but He is strong. The trials of life are transformed by the grace of God from something harmful to something helpful. Tribulation comes to develop patience in us, and as we patiently wait on God, character is formed—God uses pressure from our circumstances to mold us as a potter does the clay.
There is our hope—not in what we are or what we can do—for we are helpless to help ourselves. But it was for such a worm as I that Christ died. The Almighty, who by the power of His Word called the universe into existence, died in utter human weakness on the cross—but through that flows the power of God unto salvation! God gives us His own life and love in the Holy Spirit who regenerates us. Peace is found in the power of the cross.
If you were to be on the ocean during a hurricane, you would see waves mount up and crash down—a seething cauldron of water—winds howling and rain driven sideways in stinging sheets. But, if you were to go deep enough, you would find in the ocean depths, peace—a region unaffected by the tempest on the surface. So, it is for the child of God. The turbulent trials of life may rage like a storm around us, but deep inside we have God’s peace.
This is what Paul is describing in Romans 5:3-6:
3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;
4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope.
5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
This firm foundation of faith in Christ enables us to have peace even in great difficulty. How in this world can we talk about peace in the midst of a storm? It is truly a peace that surpasses human understanding. We may not be able to explain it, but we can experience it! I can’t explain electricity, but I’m not going to sit in the dark until I do.
Being a Christian doesn’t exempt us from trouble, but it does enable us in trouble—we are weak, but He is strong. The trials of life are transformed by the grace of God from something harmful to something helpful. Tribulation comes to develop patience in us, and as we patiently wait on God, character is formed—God uses pressure from our circumstances to mold us as a potter does the clay.
There is our hope—not in what we are or what we can do—for we are helpless to help ourselves. But it was for such a worm as I that Christ died. The Almighty, who by the power of His Word called the universe into existence, died in utter human weakness on the cross—but through that flows the power of God unto salvation! God gives us His own life and love in the Holy Spirit who regenerates us. Peace is found in the power of the cross.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
YOU CAN HAVE PEACE WITH GOD: Through the Provision of the Cross
We want—we need—peace with God. In the fifth chapter of Romans, the Apostle Paul tells us that it comes through the provision of the cross, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Rom. 5:1-2).
Underscore the word “through” which is repeated twice in two verses as the writer reminds us of what God has provided through the cross of Christ. He asserts that “we have peace with God” and “we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand.” That we have peace with God is a wondrous, astonishing thing!
Did you note the word, “Therefore” and did you follow the rule of Bible interpretation, that when you see the word “therefore” you always ask, “What is it there for?” Paul has been writing of the amazing grace of God that puts us in a right relationship with the Holy One. He begins by painting a dark picture of a broken relationship with God—a gulf so great that no mere mortal can span it. As a prosecuting attorney, Paul has presented the undeniable evidence of our crimes against God. We are guilty. Our natural inclination is toward sin and self. We are born in this condition, separated from God by our sin. As we practice sinful acts, we get quite proficient at it.
Religion tries to find a way to placate God’s wrath, achieve release from the penalty of sin, and bring us back to whatever particular deity that religion worships. Islam says submit to the five pillars and you can earn Allah’s favor. Hinduism says go through reincarnations until you get it right. Roman Catholicism says keep the sacraments, spend a little time in purgatory and God will accept you. Mormonism has its moral code to follow and Jehovah’s Witnesses send you door to door with Watchtower tracts, trying to obtain a standing as one of the 144,000 who make it in. All this, and every other religious system is an exercise in futility. Paul declares that no one can be just before God this way.
Yet what religion and morality cannot do, God has done in sending His Son to be our Savior. Paul tells us that by simply placing our faith in the finished work of Christ, we are justified before God. The war is over; peace is provided.
Recall how Adam and Eve were in harmony with God in the garden. There was no death, no violence. Nature was at peace—lions lying down with lambs. Then sin disrupted that harmony—Adam hid from God; a curse descended and blood was soon shed. Peace was gone. A sword barred the entrance into the place where Adam once walked with God.
Yet God came seeking His creation and He always does. Once more we have access to Him. The veil of the temple was torn with the tearing of Christ’s flesh and the way was opened into the Holy of Holies. As the Apostle puts it, “we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand” (Rom.5:2).
It comes by faith in Christ. You may ask, “How much faith do I need?” It isn’t a question of how much faith, but is the faith in Christ? He alone can save us, but He will save us! Cast yourself on His grace! Then rejoice in this hope that is sure. Biblical hope is steadfastly promised. It isn’t wishful thinking—not hope so, maybe so. That’s not what the word means. Rather, it is an anchor for our soul—so that in the storms of life, we can have peace.
We want—we need—peace with God. In the fifth chapter of Romans, the Apostle Paul tells us that it comes through the provision of the cross, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Rom. 5:1-2).
Underscore the word “through” which is repeated twice in two verses as the writer reminds us of what God has provided through the cross of Christ. He asserts that “we have peace with God” and “we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand.” That we have peace with God is a wondrous, astonishing thing!
Did you note the word, “Therefore” and did you follow the rule of Bible interpretation, that when you see the word “therefore” you always ask, “What is it there for?” Paul has been writing of the amazing grace of God that puts us in a right relationship with the Holy One. He begins by painting a dark picture of a broken relationship with God—a gulf so great that no mere mortal can span it. As a prosecuting attorney, Paul has presented the undeniable evidence of our crimes against God. We are guilty. Our natural inclination is toward sin and self. We are born in this condition, separated from God by our sin. As we practice sinful acts, we get quite proficient at it.
Religion tries to find a way to placate God’s wrath, achieve release from the penalty of sin, and bring us back to whatever particular deity that religion worships. Islam says submit to the five pillars and you can earn Allah’s favor. Hinduism says go through reincarnations until you get it right. Roman Catholicism says keep the sacraments, spend a little time in purgatory and God will accept you. Mormonism has its moral code to follow and Jehovah’s Witnesses send you door to door with Watchtower tracts, trying to obtain a standing as one of the 144,000 who make it in. All this, and every other religious system is an exercise in futility. Paul declares that no one can be just before God this way.
Yet what religion and morality cannot do, God has done in sending His Son to be our Savior. Paul tells us that by simply placing our faith in the finished work of Christ, we are justified before God. The war is over; peace is provided.
Recall how Adam and Eve were in harmony with God in the garden. There was no death, no violence. Nature was at peace—lions lying down with lambs. Then sin disrupted that harmony—Adam hid from God; a curse descended and blood was soon shed. Peace was gone. A sword barred the entrance into the place where Adam once walked with God.
Yet God came seeking His creation and He always does. Once more we have access to Him. The veil of the temple was torn with the tearing of Christ’s flesh and the way was opened into the Holy of Holies. As the Apostle puts it, “we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand” (Rom.5:2).
It comes by faith in Christ. You may ask, “How much faith do I need?” It isn’t a question of how much faith, but is the faith in Christ? He alone can save us, but He will save us! Cast yourself on His grace! Then rejoice in this hope that is sure. Biblical hope is steadfastly promised. It isn’t wishful thinking—not hope so, maybe so. That’s not what the word means. Rather, it is an anchor for our soul—so that in the storms of life, we can have peace.
Monday, March 15, 2010
YOU CAN HAVE PEACE WITH GOD!
This past week, I had stuffed into my mailbox, on the same day, a solicitation from both Moore Funeral Home and Groce Funeral Home! They want my business! Each of them is willing to arrange all the details of my demise. Do they know something, I don’t? Here’s what I do know—for me, for you—if the Lord delays His return, “it is appointed unto man once to die, but after this the judgment” (Heb.9:27).
What if it were today that I had an appointment with death? If it is my appointed time, I am not afraid. I am at peace. That is a great comfort!
Do you have peace with God? Well, you can—and the Bible shows us how. Every one of us can have peace with God. The Apostle Paul speaks about the way to have peace with God in Romans 5:1-11:
This week we intend to study this important teaching from the Word of God. You never know when you’ll get a solicitation from a funeral home—or a visit from the undertaker.
This past week, I had stuffed into my mailbox, on the same day, a solicitation from both Moore Funeral Home and Groce Funeral Home! They want my business! Each of them is willing to arrange all the details of my demise. Do they know something, I don’t? Here’s what I do know—for me, for you—if the Lord delays His return, “it is appointed unto man once to die, but after this the judgment” (Heb.9:27).
What if it were today that I had an appointment with death? If it is my appointed time, I am not afraid. I am at peace. That is a great comfort!
Do you have peace with God? Well, you can—and the Bible shows us how. Every one of us can have peace with God. The Apostle Paul speaks about the way to have peace with God in Romans 5:1-11:
1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;
4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope.
5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die.
8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.
10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.
11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.
This week we intend to study this important teaching from the Word of God. You never know when you’ll get a solicitation from a funeral home—or a visit from the undertaker.
Friday, March 12, 2010
THE ONLY WAY TO PLEASE GOD: Faith and Forgiveness
The eleventh chapter of Hebrews has a constant refrain: “By faith…by faith…by faith…” in order to make it clear that, “without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Heb.11:6). Among those listed in God’s roll call of faith is Abraham. Of the patriarch, Paul writes in Romans four, that he was justified by faith—the same way, the only way anyone can be forgiven of sin.
In the high court of heaven, you can plead not guilty and go to trial—and the overwhelming evidence against you will result in your condemnation, or you can plead guilty and throw yourself on the mercy of the court. Then we find pardon from the God of all grace. Even more, when God forgives, He expunges every record of accusation against us.
Consider these words from John Phillips’ commentary on Romans:
When we constantly wallow in guilt, after having confessed our sins, dredging up past failure already forgiven, will we not listen to God say, “What sin are you talking about?”
The eleventh chapter of Hebrews has a constant refrain: “By faith…by faith…by faith…” in order to make it clear that, “without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Heb.11:6). Among those listed in God’s roll call of faith is Abraham. Of the patriarch, Paul writes in Romans four, that he was justified by faith—the same way, the only way anyone can be forgiven of sin.
In the high court of heaven, you can plead not guilty and go to trial—and the overwhelming evidence against you will result in your condemnation, or you can plead guilty and throw yourself on the mercy of the court. Then we find pardon from the God of all grace. Even more, when God forgives, He expunges every record of accusation against us.
Consider these words from John Phillips’ commentary on Romans:
Dr. Moon dramatically underlines this in the film Time and Eternity. After showing the various relationships of time, Dr. Moon concludes, “All of us have looked up, on a clear night, and seen the sparkling, twinkling stars. But how many of us have realized that we cannot see the stars as they now are? Every time we look, we are looking into the past, seeing them as they were…. But this works both ways. If you were on one of the stars you would, assuming an adequate telescope, see the earth as it was sometime in the past. From the star, Sirius, you could see what you were doing nine years ago, because in a profoundly true scientific sense you are still doing it. Yes, everything you have ever done, you are still doing, and will continue to do forever, apart from God’s forgiveness. Only the omnipotent, eternal God, who controls all the factors of time, space and matter, could ever remove sin. God says: ‘I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins’ (Isa.43:25).” When God cancels sin, He wills it out of existence; it is not only forgiven and forgotten, it is annihilated.
When we constantly wallow in guilt, after having confessed our sins, dredging up past failure already forgiven, will we not listen to God say, “What sin are you talking about?”
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Announcing!
The Search Committee is recommending Steve Schultz to serve as Associate Pastor of Music. Steve is currently serving as Associate Pastor of Worship at Central Baptist Church in Phenix City, Alabama. He and his wife Wanda will be with us next Wednesday night, March 17, when he will lead the choir rehearsal. We are planning a reception for Steve and Wanda, on Saturday night, March 20, at 6 PM so you can meet them and ask any question you may have. This will be a covered dish meal in the Fellowship Hall. The Deacons will meet with them at 5. Then, on Sunday morning, March 21, Steve will lead our worship service and we will be voting on extending the call to him to serve here.
Steve is approaching his 49th birthday. He has been married to Wanda for over 23 years. They have twin boys, Justin and Jason, age 20.
Steve holds a bachelor’s degree in music from Jacksonville University and a Master of Arts in Christian Education (with Music) from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Before his call to Central Baptist nearly 7 years ago, he served several churches while in seminary on a part-time capacity. As a member of First Baptist Church, Jacksonville, Florida, he served as President of the Chancel Orchestra and was a member of the Gloryland Band. It was during that time, that God called him into ministry.
Steve’s philosophy of music is to bring the church to the throne of God in worship and equip God’s people to have their own worship experience through the week. He sees the gift of music as a means to reach the lost and unchurched through music and drama. Steve says, “I believe that music is to be fresh and new, while also drawing from the history of the church in the using of ‘psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.’” Understanding that people have different tastes in music, he wants to use a wide variety of music to reach the broadest range of people possible while always keeping the message of the Gospel central. He stresses that it isn’t about a performance—that this is not entertainment—but about an encounter with God in worship.
THE ONLY WAY TO PLEASE GOD: The Seed of the God-pleasing Life
God made a promise to Abraham. He promised a “seed”—a son of his own that would bring the fulfillment of all the other promises of the covenant. Abraham believed God and through that act of faith, God’s righteousness was imputed to him. The promised seed would be Jesus Christ. If we will place our faith in Him, then we too can have a God-pleasing life.
Faith rests in the promise of God. We aren’t saved by our faithfulness, but by God’s. This is what Paul stresses in the fourth chapter of Romans.
THE EXPLANATION OF THE PRINCIPLE
The law wasn’t given to Moses for five more centuries, so how could Abraham have known it? Even had he known it, he couldn’t have kept it. When we study the life of Abraham in the Old Testament, it becomes apparent that although he was a man who did many good things, he also had several significant failures in his life. Not a perfect man—Abraham must be numbered among sinners, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom.3:23). All the law can do is show us that we are lost, “because the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law there is no transgression” (Rom.4:15). That is a vital part of salvation in that Christ came to save sinners. That’s the only kind of people He does save. Unless I am willing to acknowledge that I am a sinner, I will never call out for a Savior.
THE EXTENSION OF THE PROMISE
God didn’t intend for Abraham to be a reservoir of blessing, but a river of blessing. He would be the father of all those who place their faith in Christ. That is to be true of us as well. If the righteousness of Christ becomes ours by faith, then that faith in Christ is to be shared with others—for that too is their only hope of eternal life. How many spiritual descendants do you have? I think of an old song I used to hear:
“Must I go, and empty-handed?
Must I meet my Savior so?
Not one soul, with which to greet Him;
Must I empty-handed go?”
That certainly is not God’s intention for us. Share your life in Christ with someone today. Perhaps the Holy Spirit will open their heart, as He once did for you.
THE EXAMPLE OF THE POWER
Faith in God’s promise produced a miracle birth. Can’t you see an old man pushing his walker out of the maternity ward saying, “It’s a boy!” Abraham was one hundred years old! That took a miracle—a miracle that came by faith. Similarly, there is another miracle birth that occurs each time someone places their faith in Christ—a second birth, a spiritual birth into the family of God! Like Abraham, we simply take God at His Word, not trusting in our works. We believe in His promise and God gives His righteousness.
THE EXPERIENCE OF THE PROVISION
Abraham personally experienced God’s salvation, by looking forward to what Christ would do on the cross. Jesus said, “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad” (John 8:56). He placed His faith in the promise of what God would do, while we look back at the promise of what God will do for us based on what Christ has already done! The Apostle wants to leave no doubt that the story of Abraham isn’t just a bit of archaic trivia—it is an illustration for how contemporary man can experience the provision of eternal life.
Trust in Christ today. Jesus died for you. He will save you. He will save you now.
God made a promise to Abraham. He promised a “seed”—a son of his own that would bring the fulfillment of all the other promises of the covenant. Abraham believed God and through that act of faith, God’s righteousness was imputed to him. The promised seed would be Jesus Christ. If we will place our faith in Him, then we too can have a God-pleasing life.
Faith rests in the promise of God. We aren’t saved by our faithfulness, but by God’s. This is what Paul stresses in the fourth chapter of Romans.
THE EXPLANATION OF THE PRINCIPLE
For the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise made of no effect, because the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law there is no transgression. (Romans 4:13-15)
The law wasn’t given to Moses for five more centuries, so how could Abraham have known it? Even had he known it, he couldn’t have kept it. When we study the life of Abraham in the Old Testament, it becomes apparent that although he was a man who did many good things, he also had several significant failures in his life. Not a perfect man—Abraham must be numbered among sinners, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom.3:23). All the law can do is show us that we are lost, “because the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law there is no transgression” (Rom.4:15). That is a vital part of salvation in that Christ came to save sinners. That’s the only kind of people He does save. Unless I am willing to acknowledge that I am a sinner, I will never call out for a Savior.
THE EXTENSION OF THE PROMISE
Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all (as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations”) in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” (Romans 4:16-18)
God didn’t intend for Abraham to be a reservoir of blessing, but a river of blessing. He would be the father of all those who place their faith in Christ. That is to be true of us as well. If the righteousness of Christ becomes ours by faith, then that faith in Christ is to be shared with others—for that too is their only hope of eternal life. How many spiritual descendants do you have? I think of an old song I used to hear:
“Must I go, and empty-handed?
Must I meet my Savior so?
Not one soul, with which to greet Him;
Must I empty-handed go?”
That certainly is not God’s intention for us. Share your life in Christ with someone today. Perhaps the Holy Spirit will open their heart, as He once did for you.
THE EXAMPLE OF THE POWER
And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.” (Romans 4:19-22)
Faith in God’s promise produced a miracle birth. Can’t you see an old man pushing his walker out of the maternity ward saying, “It’s a boy!” Abraham was one hundred years old! That took a miracle—a miracle that came by faith. Similarly, there is another miracle birth that occurs each time someone places their faith in Christ—a second birth, a spiritual birth into the family of God! Like Abraham, we simply take God at His Word, not trusting in our works. We believe in His promise and God gives His righteousness.
THE EXPERIENCE OF THE PROVISION
Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him, but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification. (Romans 4:23-25)
Abraham personally experienced God’s salvation, by looking forward to what Christ would do on the cross. Jesus said, “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad” (John 8:56). He placed His faith in the promise of what God would do, while we look back at the promise of what God will do for us based on what Christ has already done! The Apostle wants to leave no doubt that the story of Abraham isn’t just a bit of archaic trivia—it is an illustration for how contemporary man can experience the provision of eternal life.
Trust in Christ today. Jesus died for you. He will save you. He will save you now.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
THE ONLY WAY TO PLEASE GOD: The Seal of the God-pleasing Life
From my childhood, I recall hearing about, “The Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval.” If Good Housekeeping magazine gave a household product this seal that meant it to be worthy of purchase and use. The seal didn’t make it a good product, but recognized that it was. So, God has a seal of approval to indicate the genuineness of our faith. In Romans 4:9-12, Paul speaks to this issue as he describes for us faith’s profession.
You can profess faith without possessing faith, but you cannot possess faith without professing it. The Scripture teaches that we are not saved by our works; we are not saved by faith plus our works; but we are saved by a faith that works! Faith alone saves, but saving faith is never alone.
Consider then, THE SYMBOL OF OUR PROFESSION (v.9-11). There came a time when God commanded Abraham to be circumcised as a symbol of the covenant relationship they enjoyed. Abraham was already justified by faith when he and his male household members were circumcised. This was the outer testimony of the inner transformation Abraham had experienced . It did not justify him. It did not add anything to his salvation. It did provide a profession of faith. But, it is faith alone that saves us—never be confused on that point.
There are those who insist faith in Christ alone is not enough. You must believe and be baptized according to the Church of Christ (and by one of their authentic ministers no less). You must believe and keep the Sabbath according to the Seventh Day Adventists (Sunday worship is the mark of the Beast). You must have faith in Christ and keep the sacraments of the church according to Roman Catholicism (if you want to get to Jesus go through His mother). It is the great dividing line between the Gospel and a false gospel; between truth and error. The Reformers taught, “sola fide” salvation by faith alone. That is the gospel truth!
Beyond that, we read of THE STEPS OF OUR PATH (v.12). By no means are we suggesting that a person’s lifestyle is unimportant. Abraham was a faithful servant of the Lord. But, it was a walk of faith! Faith was the root of his righteousness, while his good works were the fruit of his faith. His life is a beacon to summon us to follow the path of faith in our generation as he did in his. If a man is full of faith, then he will be faithful—not in order to be saved, but because he is saved.
From my childhood, I recall hearing about, “The Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval.” If Good Housekeeping magazine gave a household product this seal that meant it to be worthy of purchase and use. The seal didn’t make it a good product, but recognized that it was. So, God has a seal of approval to indicate the genuineness of our faith. In Romans 4:9-12, Paul speaks to this issue as he describes for us faith’s profession.
9 Does this blessedness then come upon the circumcised only, or upon the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness.
10 How then was it accounted? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised.
11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while still uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also,
12 and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had while still uncircumcised.
You can profess faith without possessing faith, but you cannot possess faith without professing it. The Scripture teaches that we are not saved by our works; we are not saved by faith plus our works; but we are saved by a faith that works! Faith alone saves, but saving faith is never alone.
Consider then, THE SYMBOL OF OUR PROFESSION (v.9-11). There came a time when God commanded Abraham to be circumcised as a symbol of the covenant relationship they enjoyed. Abraham was already justified by faith when he and his male household members were circumcised. This was the outer testimony of the inner transformation Abraham had experienced . It did not justify him. It did not add anything to his salvation. It did provide a profession of faith. But, it is faith alone that saves us—never be confused on that point.
There are those who insist faith in Christ alone is not enough. You must believe and be baptized according to the Church of Christ (and by one of their authentic ministers no less). You must believe and keep the Sabbath according to the Seventh Day Adventists (Sunday worship is the mark of the Beast). You must have faith in Christ and keep the sacraments of the church according to Roman Catholicism (if you want to get to Jesus go through His mother). It is the great dividing line between the Gospel and a false gospel; between truth and error. The Reformers taught, “sola fide” salvation by faith alone. That is the gospel truth!
Beyond that, we read of THE STEPS OF OUR PATH (v.12). By no means are we suggesting that a person’s lifestyle is unimportant. Abraham was a faithful servant of the Lord. But, it was a walk of faith! Faith was the root of his righteousness, while his good works were the fruit of his faith. His life is a beacon to summon us to follow the path of faith in our generation as he did in his. If a man is full of faith, then he will be faithful—not in order to be saved, but because he is saved.
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
THE ONLY WAY TO PLEASE GOD: The Source of the God-pleasing Life
Romans 4:1-8 presents to us the source of the life that pleases God: faith’s provision. God provides a righteous standing through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. This is the one and only way anyone has ever been saved and the only way anyone ever will be saved. Paul appeals to the authority of the Old Testament as the basis for this belief. He doesn’t want you to think this is just an opinion. It is the clear teaching of the Word of God. He will illustrate this doctrine by a man who was a great saint—Abraham—to show that everyone needs to be saved by faith, and from a great sinner—David—to show that everyone can be saved by faith.
We read of ABRAHAM’S DISCOVERY OF THE SOURCE OF ACCEPTANCE:
The word “found” in verse one, in the Greek, is the word from which we get our English word, “Eureka!” Just picture someone digging in a deep, dark mine, and then they strike a vein of pure gold. With enthusiasm they cry, “Eureka!” That’s what Abraham felt when he found out he could be the friend of God through faith. But, what we’re talking about is much better than gold—indeed more valuable than all the wealth of the world, “For what would it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul?”
God sought Abraham (Abram, as he was called at the time) when he was not seeking Him. In fact, he was a pagan—living in the midst of idolatry—when God called him by sovereign grace. Because even the capacity to believe is a gift of grace, there’s nothing for us to boast about, “For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God” (Rom.4:2). No—there will be no one strutting down the streets of gold in heaven; none will swagger up to the throne. We will acknowledge, “Jesus paid it all; all to Him I owe.”
Abraham responded to God’s call and in Gen.15:6 we find the words Paul quotes in verse three, “For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness’ ”. God sought him and God saved him! The word, “accounted” in this verse, or a form of it, is found eleven times in this chapter. It is a bookkeeping term that means our debt of sin has been transferred to Christ’s account and His righteousness has been credited to ours!
Have you made this discovery? Has there been that “eureka” moment in your life?
Paul also writes of DAVID’S DESCRIPTION OF THE SOURCE OF ACCEPTANCE:
These words are from Psalm 32, after David’s horrible sin. He committed adultery with Bathsheba and conspired to have her husband Uriah put to death to try to cover it up. But you can’t hide sin from God and when David was confronted, he was convicted and confessed with deep contrition. God forgave him and God did what David could not—He covered his sin! John Phillips, in his commentary on Romans, adds, “his sins [were] not only forgiven but forgotten; not only covered but cancelled.”
There is but one way to a God-pleasing life—and that is the way of faith. Have you trusted in Christ’s work on the cross for you? You dare not trust in yourself. There is no hope to be found there. Place your hand in the nail-scarred hand of Jesus today.
Romans 4:1-8 presents to us the source of the life that pleases God: faith’s provision. God provides a righteous standing through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. This is the one and only way anyone has ever been saved and the only way anyone ever will be saved. Paul appeals to the authority of the Old Testament as the basis for this belief. He doesn’t want you to think this is just an opinion. It is the clear teaching of the Word of God. He will illustrate this doctrine by a man who was a great saint—Abraham—to show that everyone needs to be saved by faith, and from a great sinner—David—to show that everyone can be saved by faith.
We read of ABRAHAM’S DISCOVERY OF THE SOURCE OF ACCEPTANCE:
1 What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh?
2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.
3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”
4 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. (Romans 4:1-4)
The word “found” in verse one, in the Greek, is the word from which we get our English word, “Eureka!” Just picture someone digging in a deep, dark mine, and then they strike a vein of pure gold. With enthusiasm they cry, “Eureka!” That’s what Abraham felt when he found out he could be the friend of God through faith. But, what we’re talking about is much better than gold—indeed more valuable than all the wealth of the world, “For what would it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul?”
God sought Abraham (Abram, as he was called at the time) when he was not seeking Him. In fact, he was a pagan—living in the midst of idolatry—when God called him by sovereign grace. Because even the capacity to believe is a gift of grace, there’s nothing for us to boast about, “For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God” (Rom.4:2). No—there will be no one strutting down the streets of gold in heaven; none will swagger up to the throne. We will acknowledge, “Jesus paid it all; all to Him I owe.”
Abraham responded to God’s call and in Gen.15:6 we find the words Paul quotes in verse three, “For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness’ ”. God sought him and God saved him! The word, “accounted” in this verse, or a form of it, is found eleven times in this chapter. It is a bookkeeping term that means our debt of sin has been transferred to Christ’s account and His righteousness has been credited to ours!
Have you made this discovery? Has there been that “eureka” moment in your life?
Paul also writes of DAVID’S DESCRIPTION OF THE SOURCE OF ACCEPTANCE:
5 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness,
6 just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works:
7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, And whose sins are covered;
8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin.” (Romans 4:5-8)
These words are from Psalm 32, after David’s horrible sin. He committed adultery with Bathsheba and conspired to have her husband Uriah put to death to try to cover it up. But you can’t hide sin from God and when David was confronted, he was convicted and confessed with deep contrition. God forgave him and God did what David could not—He covered his sin! John Phillips, in his commentary on Romans, adds, “his sins [were] not only forgiven but forgotten; not only covered but cancelled.”
There is but one way to a God-pleasing life—and that is the way of faith. Have you trusted in Christ’s work on the cross for you? You dare not trust in yourself. There is no hope to be found there. Place your hand in the nail-scarred hand of Jesus today.
Monday, March 08, 2010
THE ONLY WAY TO PLEASE GOD
The Bible is clear: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6) Now, let that sink in for a moment. It doesn’t say that without faith it is unlikely that you can please God. It doesn’t say that it is difficult or improbable, but the Holy Spirit inspired author says, “It is impossible!”
Faith is the only way to please God.
This is Paul’s theme in the fourth chapter of Romans, which we will examine this week. It has to be one of the most important passages in the Word of God. Here, is set forth the singular way by which a person can please God and enter heaven. Now, that’s important!
Notice the three verses that commence the chapter and the three that conclude it:
The Bible is clear: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6) Now, let that sink in for a moment. It doesn’t say that without faith it is unlikely that you can please God. It doesn’t say that it is difficult or improbable, but the Holy Spirit inspired author says, “It is impossible!”
Faith is the only way to please God.
This is Paul’s theme in the fourth chapter of Romans, which we will examine this week. It has to be one of the most important passages in the Word of God. Here, is set forth the singular way by which a person can please God and enter heaven. Now, that’s important!
Notice the three verses that commence the chapter and the three that conclude it:
1 What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh?Understand that we are not saved by faith itself, but by God’s grace which is accessed by faith (Romans 5:2). Neither are we saved by the degree of our faith—that would be faith in faith. It is the object of our faith that saves us—trusting in Jesus Christ. It is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone!
2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.
3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”
23 Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him,
24 but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead,
25 who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
HOW CAN SINNERS BE ACCEPTED BY A HOLY GOD? A Trinity of Truths!
If we stood on the shores of the Pacific Ocean and told you that to get to heaven, you would need to jump all the way to Japan in one leap, you would answer that is impossible—and it would be. Yet, it is more difficult than that. Stand on the earth, look up to the moon, and jump up there and you still could not reach heaven—the holy throne of God where not one sinner can stand. He dwells in unapproachable light in a spotless atmosphere unsullied by one stain of sin—not even the slightest hint of evil—not a sniff.
So if we cannot reach Him, what can we do? Nothing! But there’s the good news—Jesus has already done all that is required! When we could not go to Him, He came to us. When we could suffer all eternity and never atone for our sins, He suffered as the eternal One and paid the price for all our sin. Look to the cross in faith, repenting of your sin, and you will be saved. It is the promise of God.
This great Gospel message is framed as a trinity of truths from the Triune God, as Paul writes these words in Romans 3:21-31:
REDEMPTION
PROPITIATION
JUSTIFICATION
Here is a diagram found in James Montgomery Boice’s commentary on Romans that gives us a visual picture of the verbal portrait I have attempted to share in my feeble way:
If we stood on the shores of the Pacific Ocean and told you that to get to heaven, you would need to jump all the way to Japan in one leap, you would answer that is impossible—and it would be. Yet, it is more difficult than that. Stand on the earth, look up to the moon, and jump up there and you still could not reach heaven—the holy throne of God where not one sinner can stand. He dwells in unapproachable light in a spotless atmosphere unsullied by one stain of sin—not even the slightest hint of evil—not a sniff.
So if we cannot reach Him, what can we do? Nothing! But there’s the good news—Jesus has already done all that is required! When we could not go to Him, He came to us. When we could suffer all eternity and never atone for our sins, He suffered as the eternal One and paid the price for all our sin. Look to the cross in faith, repenting of your sin, and you will be saved. It is the promise of God.
This great Gospel message is framed as a trinity of truths from the Triune God, as Paul writes these words in Romans 3:21-31:
REDEMPTION
21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,
22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference;
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, (emphasis added)
PROPITIATION
25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, (emphasis added)
JUSTIFICATION
26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith.
28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.
29 Or is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also,
30 since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith.
31 Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law. (emphasis added)
Here is a diagram found in James Montgomery Boice’s commentary on Romans that gives us a visual picture of the verbal portrait I have attempted to share in my feeble way:
HOW CAN SINNERS BE ACCEPTED BY A HOLY GOD? Through Justification!
Beginning with Romans 3:21, the Apostle Paul begins to present the solution to the great human dilemma of sin. He will present a trinity of truths that answer the critical question, “How can sinners be accepted by a holy God?” As we have seen previously this week, he has written that the answer is found in redemption and propitiation. Now, he comes to the third facet of Christ’s work: justification in Romans 3:26-31.
THE PARDON IS PROVIDED! We have traveled from the slave market, to the temple altar and now arrive in the court room in pursuing the answer to how sinners can be accepted by a holy God.
I heard of a notorious mobster sitting in a prison cell waiting sentencing. The evidence against him was overwhelming. He knew he was in big trouble. So, it appeared that he was experiencing a “jail house” conversion as a prison guard beheld him feverishly flipping through the pages of a Gideon Bible. The guard called to him, “What are you doing?” The gangster answered, “I’m looking for a loophole!”
Forget that—there aren’t any! No fine print! No exceptions—all of us are guilty before God and His righteousness demands the death penalty—the second death in everlasting hell.
Thus, we face the enormous problem alluded to in verse 26, “to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” Do we understand the immensity of this conundrum? How could God pronounce sinners justified and yet remain true to His just demands? He wants to do the former because He is a God of infinite love, but He must do the latter for He is a God of incorruptible holiness. He cannot compromise His justice in order to justify us.
Here’s the answer: Jesus—God in the flesh—took our sins, died in our place, and bore our hell so that we can be forgiven. Beyond that, all the perfect righteousness of the stainless Son of God was credited to our account. Amazing grace it is!
It is all God’s work. There is no room for boasting on our part. Paul writes, “Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith.” (Rom.1:27)
Anyone who places their faith in Christ is pardoned.
A pardoned criminal isn’t an innocent one—it is one who is pardoned despite his or her crime. We are guilty—let us fall upon the mercy of the court. We will find that all because of Calvary, God will justify us and yet remain just. God declares that we are just! That means our past is atoned for and our future is assured. By a judicial decree of God, we stand in the righteousness of Christ! Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Beginning with Romans 3:21, the Apostle Paul begins to present the solution to the great human dilemma of sin. He will present a trinity of truths that answer the critical question, “How can sinners be accepted by a holy God?” As we have seen previously this week, he has written that the answer is found in redemption and propitiation. Now, he comes to the third facet of Christ’s work: justification in Romans 3:26-31.
26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith.
28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.
29 Or is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also,
30 since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith.
31 Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law.
THE PARDON IS PROVIDED! We have traveled from the slave market, to the temple altar and now arrive in the court room in pursuing the answer to how sinners can be accepted by a holy God.
I heard of a notorious mobster sitting in a prison cell waiting sentencing. The evidence against him was overwhelming. He knew he was in big trouble. So, it appeared that he was experiencing a “jail house” conversion as a prison guard beheld him feverishly flipping through the pages of a Gideon Bible. The guard called to him, “What are you doing?” The gangster answered, “I’m looking for a loophole!”
Forget that—there aren’t any! No fine print! No exceptions—all of us are guilty before God and His righteousness demands the death penalty—the second death in everlasting hell.
Thus, we face the enormous problem alluded to in verse 26, “to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” Do we understand the immensity of this conundrum? How could God pronounce sinners justified and yet remain true to His just demands? He wants to do the former because He is a God of infinite love, but He must do the latter for He is a God of incorruptible holiness. He cannot compromise His justice in order to justify us.
Here’s the answer: Jesus—God in the flesh—took our sins, died in our place, and bore our hell so that we can be forgiven. Beyond that, all the perfect righteousness of the stainless Son of God was credited to our account. Amazing grace it is!
It is all God’s work. There is no room for boasting on our part. Paul writes, “Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith.” (Rom.1:27)
Anyone who places their faith in Christ is pardoned.
Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law. Or is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also, since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law.(Rom.1:28-31)
A pardoned criminal isn’t an innocent one—it is one who is pardoned despite his or her crime. We are guilty—let us fall upon the mercy of the court. We will find that all because of Calvary, God will justify us and yet remain just. God declares that we are just! That means our past is atoned for and our future is assured. By a judicial decree of God, we stand in the righteousness of Christ! Hallelujah, what a Savior!
HOW CAN SINNERS BE ACCEPTED BY A HOLY GOD? Through Propitiation!
In Romans 3:25, Paul writes about another misunderstood (and sometimes mispronounced) salvation doctrine: propitiation: “whom [Christ]God set forth as propitiation by His blood, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed” (NKJV).
THE PENALTY IS PASSED! Paul has previously spoken of redemption—where he has described salvation in terms of a slave being purchased and set free. Christ paid the price to free us from sin with His precious blood. Now, we move from the slave market to the temple altar. Propitiation means that God’s wrath has been appeased and His righteous demands have been satisfied through the sacrifice of His Son. Paul has already declared that we sinners are under wrath (Rom.1:18) and deserve condemnation (Rom.2:5-8). Yet, that wrath passed upon Christ—who suffered in our stead.
The word “propitiation” is a fascinating one. In the Septuagint—the Greek translation of the Old Testament—and also in Hebrews in the New Testament, it is the word “mercy seat.” The “mercy seat” was the golden lid atop the Ark of the Covenant—at either end two Cherubim with wings outstretched gazed as sentinels upon the mercy seat. Inside the chest were the tables of stone which God engraved with His own finger in giving the Ten Commandments to Moses. The picture is of God’s messengers of judgment, the holy angels, looking upon God’s holy law, ready to bring retribution upon those who would violate those laws.
So, it was, on the Day of Atonement, that the High Priest would enter in and sprinkle the blood of the lamb upon the mercy seat, signifying that the nation’s sins had been covered by blood and forgiveness was offered. The ritual pointed to the reality when Christ would fulfill that symbolism by dying as the Lamb of God on Calvary. He did so, that our sins could be atoned for.
God cannot sweep sin under the carpet—death is demanded for sin—from Eden until today. Don’t miss what Paul is saying at the end of verse twenty five. Even the Old Testament saints, like Abraham and Moses and David and the rest, could not be saved without the death of Christ. The blood of bulls and goats and lambs could not actually atone for sins. The writer of Hebrews says, “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins…But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God.” (Heb.10:4, 12). Since the death of Christ was still in the future for believers in the Old Covenant, “in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed” (Rom.3:25).
In other words, those prior to Calvary, who were justified by faith, were saved on the “lay away plan.” Let’s say it’s early in the Christmas shopping season and you find the perfect gift for a loved one. You don’t have the money to pay for it, but you are afraid they might sell out of that item—and for sure, you’ve learned your lesson about credit cards—so, you put it on “lay away.” You put it in that department of the store, your name is on it, and it becomes yours later, when it is paid for. When the Old Testament saints died, they went to paradise where they remained on “lay away” until their penalty which they owed was paid in full by Jesus on the cross. Then, in His ascension, He emptied paradise and ushered the “spirits of just men made perfect” (Heb.12:23) into heaven and the presence of Holy God (Eph.4:8-10).
In Romans 3:25, Paul writes about another misunderstood (and sometimes mispronounced) salvation doctrine: propitiation: “whom [Christ]God set forth as propitiation by His blood, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed” (NKJV).
THE PENALTY IS PASSED! Paul has previously spoken of redemption—where he has described salvation in terms of a slave being purchased and set free. Christ paid the price to free us from sin with His precious blood. Now, we move from the slave market to the temple altar. Propitiation means that God’s wrath has been appeased and His righteous demands have been satisfied through the sacrifice of His Son. Paul has already declared that we sinners are under wrath (Rom.1:18) and deserve condemnation (Rom.2:5-8). Yet, that wrath passed upon Christ—who suffered in our stead.
The word “propitiation” is a fascinating one. In the Septuagint—the Greek translation of the Old Testament—and also in Hebrews in the New Testament, it is the word “mercy seat.” The “mercy seat” was the golden lid atop the Ark of the Covenant—at either end two Cherubim with wings outstretched gazed as sentinels upon the mercy seat. Inside the chest were the tables of stone which God engraved with His own finger in giving the Ten Commandments to Moses. The picture is of God’s messengers of judgment, the holy angels, looking upon God’s holy law, ready to bring retribution upon those who would violate those laws.
So, it was, on the Day of Atonement, that the High Priest would enter in and sprinkle the blood of the lamb upon the mercy seat, signifying that the nation’s sins had been covered by blood and forgiveness was offered. The ritual pointed to the reality when Christ would fulfill that symbolism by dying as the Lamb of God on Calvary. He did so, that our sins could be atoned for.
God cannot sweep sin under the carpet—death is demanded for sin—from Eden until today. Don’t miss what Paul is saying at the end of verse twenty five. Even the Old Testament saints, like Abraham and Moses and David and the rest, could not be saved without the death of Christ. The blood of bulls and goats and lambs could not actually atone for sins. The writer of Hebrews says, “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins…But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God.” (Heb.10:4, 12). Since the death of Christ was still in the future for believers in the Old Covenant, “in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed” (Rom.3:25).
In other words, those prior to Calvary, who were justified by faith, were saved on the “lay away plan.” Let’s say it’s early in the Christmas shopping season and you find the perfect gift for a loved one. You don’t have the money to pay for it, but you are afraid they might sell out of that item—and for sure, you’ve learned your lesson about credit cards—so, you put it on “lay away.” You put it in that department of the store, your name is on it, and it becomes yours later, when it is paid for. When the Old Testament saints died, they went to paradise where they remained on “lay away” until their penalty which they owed was paid in full by Jesus on the cross. Then, in His ascension, He emptied paradise and ushered the “spirits of just men made perfect” (Heb.12:23) into heaven and the presence of Holy God (Eph.4:8-10).
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
HOW CAN SINNERS BE ACCEPTED BY A HOLY GOD? Through Redemption!
In Romans 3:21-24, Paul speaks of the great Gospel truth of redemption.
THE PRICE IS PAID! All that has been required to purchase our freedom has been met. Paul, in these verses takes us into the slave market. You must remember that when he wrote these words, men and women were bought and sold as pieces of property.
This is a perfect illustration of our condition without Christ. Sin enslaves us. The fetters by which we are held are unbreakable insofar as human effort is concerned. That’s why the Apostle underscores here that none of us can be saved by keeping the law. The righteousness God provides is “apart from the law” (Rom.3:21a).
This righteousness by faith, however, was not unknown to those living under the Old Covenant, “being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets.” (Rom.3:21b). No one has ever been saved by their own goodness—not even the Old Testament saints. For example, Abraham was declared righteous by faith, “And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness” (Gen.15:6). The faith of those believers in that prior dispensation looked forward to the coming of Christ, while ours looks back to the cross. Still, that is the only way anyone has ever been saved, “even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference” (Rom.3:22).
The reason this is the universal provision is that there is a universal problem—we are all enslaved to sin, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Rom.3:23). Christ, however, has come into the slave market of sin and paid the price to free us. That’s what “redemption” means (v.24).
We are justified “freely”—at no cost to us, for it cost Christ His very life’s blood. It is said to be “by His grace,” meaning Jesus did for us what we could never do for ourselves—nor did we deserve it and would never merit it. So, we have been set free from sin’s penalty—we are saved; free from sin’s power—we are sanctified; and one day, free even from sin’s presence—to be glorified!
How do I respond to this?
I bow my unworthy head, and say, “Thank You, Jesus!” I bend my knees and submit to my new Master—no longer a slave to sin, but to the Savior—not held by fetters of domination, but chains of devotion. I become a slave to love.
In Romans 3:21-24, Paul speaks of the great Gospel truth of redemption.
21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,
22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference;
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, (NKJV)
THE PRICE IS PAID! All that has been required to purchase our freedom has been met. Paul, in these verses takes us into the slave market. You must remember that when he wrote these words, men and women were bought and sold as pieces of property.
This is a perfect illustration of our condition without Christ. Sin enslaves us. The fetters by which we are held are unbreakable insofar as human effort is concerned. That’s why the Apostle underscores here that none of us can be saved by keeping the law. The righteousness God provides is “apart from the law” (Rom.3:21a).
This righteousness by faith, however, was not unknown to those living under the Old Covenant, “being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets.” (Rom.3:21b). No one has ever been saved by their own goodness—not even the Old Testament saints. For example, Abraham was declared righteous by faith, “And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness” (Gen.15:6). The faith of those believers in that prior dispensation looked forward to the coming of Christ, while ours looks back to the cross. Still, that is the only way anyone has ever been saved, “even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference” (Rom.3:22).
The reason this is the universal provision is that there is a universal problem—we are all enslaved to sin, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Rom.3:23). Christ, however, has come into the slave market of sin and paid the price to free us. That’s what “redemption” means (v.24).
We are justified “freely”—at no cost to us, for it cost Christ His very life’s blood. It is said to be “by His grace,” meaning Jesus did for us what we could never do for ourselves—nor did we deserve it and would never merit it. So, we have been set free from sin’s penalty—we are saved; free from sin’s power—we are sanctified; and one day, free even from sin’s presence—to be glorified!
How do I respond to this?
I bow my unworthy head, and say, “Thank You, Jesus!” I bend my knees and submit to my new Master—no longer a slave to sin, but to the Savior—not held by fetters of domination, but chains of devotion. I become a slave to love.
“And when before the throne
I stand in Him complete,
‘Jesus died my soul to save,’
My lips shall still repeat.
Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain—
He washed it white as snow” (Elvina M. Hall)
Monday, March 01, 2010
HOW CAN SINNERS BE ACCEPTED BY A HOLY GOD?
If a jeweler wants to bring out the brilliance of a diamond, he places it under a light on a background of black velvet. The contrast underscores the sparkle of the precious gem. In the first three chapters of Romans, Paul has spread the black cloth of sin—we see the entire world guilty before God. It has been nothing but bad news. Now, he is ready to display the beauty of God’s grace. We finally get to the good news, when he makes this transition with two words: “But now…” (Romans 3:21).
Here’s a diagram from a Chuck Swindoll study guide to show the contrast between what we are in sin and what we become in Christ:
In Romans 3:21-31, Paul answers the most crucial question in all of life: how can sinners be accepted by a holy God? That we are sinners is beyond dispute. That God is holy is beyond debate. The chasm we must cross is humanly impossible—to get from where we are to where God is. This requires a Divine solution. To answer that, the Apostle will take us 3 places: the slave market, the temple altar and the court room. This week, we will travel there and learn the answer to our dilemma.
If a jeweler wants to bring out the brilliance of a diamond, he places it under a light on a background of black velvet. The contrast underscores the sparkle of the precious gem. In the first three chapters of Romans, Paul has spread the black cloth of sin—we see the entire world guilty before God. It has been nothing but bad news. Now, he is ready to display the beauty of God’s grace. We finally get to the good news, when he makes this transition with two words: “But now…” (Romans 3:21).
Here’s a diagram from a Chuck Swindoll study guide to show the contrast between what we are in sin and what we become in Christ:
Then we were…
under God’s wrath
spiritually dead and depraved
proven
guilty in ourselves
condemned by the law
in need of salvation by faith
Now we are…
under God’s grace
spiritually alive
forevermore
declared righteous in Christ
forgiven by His blood
provided
with salvation by faith
In Romans 3:21-31, Paul answers the most crucial question in all of life: how can sinners be accepted by a holy God? That we are sinners is beyond dispute. That God is holy is beyond debate. The chasm we must cross is humanly impossible—to get from where we are to where God is. This requires a Divine solution. To answer that, the Apostle will take us 3 places: the slave market, the temple altar and the court room. This week, we will travel there and learn the answer to our dilemma.
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