"Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of observing the law? No, but on that of faith" (Romans 3:27)
When I was young and waited tables, I worked with a man who figuratively sent out a press release every time he did something. For instance, if he cleaned the coffee pot or delivered your meal, he’d let everyone know about it. He was constantly looking for a pat on the back for doing his job and was exhausting to work with!
There is risk involved in this mindset because we could go through life relying on our good deeds to gain God’s favor.
How many of us are like this? How many of us not only demand recognition but feel as if the world owes us for our benevolence. This is because we assign ourselves value based on the things we do. But there is risk involved in this mindset because we could go through life relying on our good deeds to gain God’s favor.
But Paul’s point is that boasting is excluded because of faith.
"...He did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus"(Romans 3:26)
A good friend of mine was in a jury for an armed robbery case. He sat for three days listening to the prosecution prove its case. In the end, there was no question about the defendant’s guilt, however, what plagued my friend was knowing that this man was facing 25 years in prison and so voting him guilty would have condemned this man to this fate.
To be just, God cannot overlook sin. He cannot merely forgive sin because He pities the sinner
After the final summations had been given, the judge instructed the jury that their only responsibility was to render a decision based on whether or not the prosecution proved this man was guilty. He went on to say that the sentence was outlined in the law and weighed completely on him as the judge.
This freed up my friend to fulfil his duty as juror. His only job was to be just and render his decision based on the evidence. If it had been up to him, I’m sure he would have been merciful, but in reality justice and mercy are at odds.
The same is true with God. Without Jesus, God cannot be both just and merciful—take a minute to let that sink in.
The Book of Romans is a masterfully written exposition on God’s grace and the righteousness that comes by grace through faith. This book (a letter) is the foundation of the entire Christian faith and has changed the hearts of many as they read and understand the wonderful truths nestled inside. Get an in-depth verse by verse explanation of this book...
Colossians is short book, written by the Apostle Paul to the Church in Colosse. Paul writes about the mystery of God hidden for ages but now revealed to the Church. This mystery is Christ in you, the hope of glory (vs. 1:27). Paul explains what this means and how this changes the way we live. Get an in-depth explanation of this book.
The book of Hebrews is the bridge that connects the Old Testament & the New. This book is about Jesus and how He is the guarantee of a NEW & BETTER covenant. Get an in-depth verse by verse explanation of this book...
Jesus spent His entire earthly ministry talking about the Kingdom and explaining it to His disciples. The Gospels are full of Kingdom Principles for believers to operate in on a daily basis. Join me for this amazing journey through the Gospels and the teachings of Jesus.
I’m passionate about Jesus, His Word, living in His grace, using technology and creating beautiful things. But mostly my passion is about spreading the gospel of Jesus to a world that needs Him.
I’m passionate about Jesus, His Word, living in His grace, using technology and creating beautiful things. But mostly my passion is about spreading the gospel of Jesus to a world that needs Him.
