Romans 3:19-28
19 Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.
21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
27 Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Ro 3:19-28). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
Luther is said to have found Justification in this passage. But here you see nothing you do can save you. All have fallen short of the glory of God. Those indulgences are meaningless. The prayers you have made to the saints will not be answered. Your many vows will not bring you any closer to redemption.
The Law speaks to us. The Law tells me how I have not loved God enough. We swear and make vows to do things of which we find too difficult. Our Labor keeps encroaching in on the Lord's Day or time. Our parents are way to stubborn to love, honor, and cherish. The neighbors make it to difficult not to think bad things about them. Sexual passions and desires seem to consume our minds. If that is not enough St Paul reminds us all have fallen short of the glory God expects. Be Holy as the LORD your God is Holy.
But you have been justified not by works of the Law but by faith. God has claimed you to be his very own. Your redemption is not found in actions and deeds but in the fact that Jesus took your sins upon himself. He who knew no sin became sin for us. His blood becomes a propitiation for your sins. Therefore St Paul and Luther can conclude, "For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law."
No comments:
Post a Comment