We, as Sinners, are Only Saved by the Grace of God
Scripture Passage: Romans 3:9-20 (NASB)
9 What then? Are we better than they? Not at all; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin; 10 as it is written:
“There is no righteous person, not even one;
11 There is no one who understands,
There is no one who seeks out God;
12 They have all turned aside, together they have become corrupt;
There is no one who does good,
There is not even one.”
13 “Their throat is an open grave,
With their tongues they keep deceiving,”
“The venom of asps is under their lips”;
14 “Their mouth is full of cursing and bitterness”;
15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood,
16 Destruction and misery are in their paths,
17 And they have not known the way of peace.”
18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”
19 Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God; 20 because by the works of the Law none of mankind will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes knowledge of sin.
SUMMARY
Paul explains that all people are under sin. Whether Jewish or Greek, all are subject to God’s judgement for their sins. Sin is universal and everyone is equally put under God’s wrath. (v10) “THERE IS NO RIGHTEOUS PERSON, NOT EVEN ONE;”
He refers to passages from Old Testament and describes sin as a throat in an open grace, a deceiving tongue, a venom under the lips, a mouth full of cursing and bitterness, feet swift to shed blood, and a path of destruction and misery (v13-17). He points out that the Law gives us knowledge to know our sins, however, the law itself cannot justify and save us. Salvation only comes from God’s grace.
REFLECTION AND MEDITATION
We have the law and a conscience that let us know about sins, yet we sin continuously. This passage clearly states that there is nothing that sets anyone apart when it comes to sin. Everyone is a sinner, and no one is exempt from God’s judgement. So why do we sin? We are obedient to the law, but why are we not obedient to God who gives us salvation?
I remember this one lady who would always talk to me about her problems. She always seemed nervous and full of worries. One day, I bluntly told her that she needs God and asked if she goes to church because only God can give her peace. She appeared offended and said I’m a good person. I don’t need to go to church. I volunteer and donate.
As I reflect, I realized perhaps I have also been fooling myself thinking that my sin isn’t that bad. I abide by the law and do good deeds, but today’s passage reminded me that sin is sin. I am not any better than that lady. Whether big or small, socially acceptable, or not, sin goes against God, and it is simply not acceptable to God.
APPLICATION
I will stay alert in my thinking and remember that only grace of God can justify me. I will also look closer at my heart and be more fearful of God.
PRAYER
Thank you for this reminder Jesus. I repent for thinking foolishly and confess once again that I am a sinner. Please help me to remember that I am under sin and that only your grace can justify and save me. Thank you for your grace. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
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