Entrusted with the Gospel of God’s Love, Not Moral Superiority

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Romans 3:1-20

 

Romans 3:20

For by works of the law no human being^[c] will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.

(ESV)

 

Christians are entrusted with the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is the greatest message ever given to humanity for all humanity has sinned and lives under a death penalty for that sin (Romans 3:23; 6:23). However, Christians and the Church have errored in presenting the Gospel either as a blank check to continue living in sin believing God saves everyone, or as a club of moral superiority over unbelievers. Both of these extremes are seen in the two sons in the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). It is the father in this parable that takes the middle ground by forgiving his repentant son and reminding his morally superior son that what he has comes from him. Romans 3:1-20 reminds us that it is God that is righteous and that moralistic obedience to the law does not make one righteous.

 

This text of Romans 3:1-20 is in two sections. The first section upholds God’s righteousness (Romans 3:1-8) and the second section reminds us that no one is righteous due to the guilt of sin (Romans 3:9-20). This illustrates the gap between a righteous God and sinful humanity and why all need a savior to escape the death penalty of sin (Romans 3:23; 6:23).

 

1)      The righteousness of God (Romans 3:1-8) – Paul begins this section on the righteousness of God with a question asking the value of being a Jew and of circumcision (Romans 3:1). In answer to the question, the Apostle Paul reminds the Jews in Rome that they were entrusted with the oracles of God with their unfaithfulness does not nullify the faithfulness of God (Romans 3:2-3). Paul reminds us that God is true and everyone else a liar. While the unrighteousness of man seems to illustrate the righteousness of God presenting the possibility that God is unrighteous in inflicting wrath on humanity (Romans 3:5-6). In addition, if our lie causes God’s truth to abound to His glory, why would God condemn us (Romans 3:7). This also presents the question of why not do evil so that the good of righteousness from God may come (Romans 3:8). While the comparison of our sinful state against the righteousness of God leads to the logical conclusion that our sin somehow glorifies God, Paul later condemns this belief in (Romans 6:15).

2)      Humanity’s unrighteousness (Romans 3:9-20) – The answer to Paul’s first question in Romans 3:1 is there is no advantage for both Jews and Greeks or Gentiles live under sin (Romans 3:9). This is supported in Ecclesiastes 7:20 where we are reminded that no one on earth does good and never sins (Romans 3:10-12). Romans 3:13 states that the throat of unrighteous humanity is an open grave. Psalm 5:9 provides clarification indicating that there is no truth in their mouths. The mouth of the unrighteous is also filled with curses and bitterness (Romans 3:14). The result of this bitterness is feet swift to shed blood and walking down a path of ruin and misery, absent of peace and the fear of God (Romans 3:15-18). The purpose of the law is to speak to those under the law, holding them accountable to God for the law brings the knowledge of sin (Romans 3:19-20).

 

The Jews, entrusted with the law are improperly using their position of trustees of the oracles of God as a position of moral superiority over the Gentiles who are not under the law. This lofty position of moral superiority causes them to completely ignore the sin in their lives and their need for a Savior. It is only God who has a position of moral superiority for only God is righteous (Romans 3:10). However, God is just and righteous but also a loving God who provided the sinless Savior, Jesus Christ to die for humanity’s sin (2 Corinthians 5:21; John 3:16). The law reveals our sin, but it is Jesus who brings salvation.

 

As Christians, we are trustees and ambassadors of the Gospel (2 Corinthians 5:20) and given the mission of proclaiming that message to the world (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20). However, we as Christians can also become guilty of taking a position of moral superiority with this position of trustees of the Gospel instead of presenting the Gospel from a position as a sinner loved by God and saved through the grace of God, offering salvation out of love for others remaining lost in their sins. If you are reading this and have not accepted the gift of salvation offered by the grace of God, I loving invite you to do so now by praying with me,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

May God challenge and bless everyone reading this post.