October 19: Romans 1-8

God speaks.

Just a few minutes ago I read a comment someone had posted a comment on my blog disagreeing with my post saying that "bullhorn" guy is not the most effective way to reach Christians. The comment did not contain any constructive criticism or counterpoints, just general insult, so I followed their link to figure out what they were disagreeing with. I read the first article posted, called "American Idol". I am linking to their site NOT because I encourage people to go there or follow their teaching at all, but so you know what I was up against.

There are sentences here or there that have some merit in reminding us to become true followers of Christ, but the idea that faith in Christ is not enough, that we must obey the law in order to gain salvation, that we can never feel safe in our grace, and mocks the fact that some Christians believe that Jesus dies for all their sins made me sick and sad. My comment posted in response basically said...if that's what it takes to be saved, then we are all lost. We can never measure up to that requirement and it is arrogant to think that God's grace and Jesus' blood was not enough to save us.

I was feeling inadequate in my response and my heart was in turmoil when I opened my Bible to the page I had earmarked this morning to write about tonight. Even now I am almost crying with awe and respect for God's leading. This is the passage I had marked this morning:

Romans 3:20-31 (New International Version)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society

20""Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin."

Righteousness Through Faith

21"But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26he 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.
27Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of observing the law? No, but on that of faith. 28For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law. 29Is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, 30since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. 31Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law."

Thank you, dear God, for showing me the answer and quenching my doubts with your Word. My words are inadequate to respond to such misleading, but Your Word is sufficient, as is Your Grace.