Romans Chapter 3

Trying to share from reading the letter to the Romans fills me with dread. Partly because the teachings are so many and I worry if what I write is correct or not. But also, mainly because when reading it intently and meditatively, the Bible becomes like a mirror – reflecting on my shortcomings and weaknesses.

Romans 3 tells us of the salvation plan of God.

The problem: all have sinned and desperately need the redemption that comes from God.

The solution: the precious blood of Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice is needed to pay off the debt of sin on behalf of mankind.

My main reflection comes from vs 1-8:

What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision? ² Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God. ³ For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect? ⁴ Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written:

“That You may be justified in Your words,
And may overcome when You are judged.”

⁵ But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unjust who inflicts wrath? (I speak as a man.) ⁶ Certainly not! For then how will God judge the world?

⁷ For if the truth of God has increased through my lie to His glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner? ⁸ And why not say, “Let us do evil that good may come”?—as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say. Their condemnation is just.

Paul starts off by suggesting that there is an advantage to being a Jew. Why? Because to them were committed the oracles of God.

The Jews were the chosen race – given the opportunity to know God’s plan, promise and covenants. And it was clearly declared to them, especially just before they entered the land of Canaan, that there will be blessings if they obey God and curses if they disobey God.

However, the Jews thought that in their privileged position before God, they were given special dispensation with regard to the judgment of God. And Paul was telling them how wrong they were.

Some of the Jews did not believe in the words of God and did as they pleased. Did their unbelief annul the faithfulness and judgment of God? No!

If they have been unrighteous and then when facing the wrath of God, can they claim that God is unjust? No!

Can they do evil so as to allow God’s goodness and glory to come? Again, No!

Now the Jews were give the oracles of God. They knew clearly what God has said and what they should or should not do.

Very much like us today who have been chosen to be in His true church. To us have been committed the mysteries of God and the revelation of His Holy Spirit. We know the way to Salvation. We know the articles of faith and the doctrines that lead to salvation.

But it is one thing ti know the Word of God and another to act upon what we know.

Israel very often chose to ignore or disobey what God told them.

Do we, even if being in the true church, also do likewise?

Then we are no different from the unbelievers. So why should they believe then?

Our commission is to preach the Gospel and bring salvation to the lost. But the key to this is obeying the Words of God – unlike many of the Jews.

Without doing so, we will be part of the problem of why people do not believe.

I started off by saying that the Word of God serves as a mirror – reflecting to me what I really am in relation to His Word.

But as we read the Word each day, let us not be like what Elder James said in James 1:23-34…

²² But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. ²³ For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror;

Let’s all be doers of the Word.

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