Justification: A Study in Romansنموونە

What does it say?

All people are without excuse before God. He will judge the world through Jesus Christ.

What does it mean?

Paul described God's dealings with three kinds of people. Each is charged with high treason against God. The moral person tries to gain God’s approval based on comparison with others, but he still fails to meet God’s standards. The pagan, or Gentile, tries to escape judgment based on ignorance. However, God has placed the essence of His law in each person’s heart. The religious person seeks God’s favor based on knowledge of Scripture and religious practices. Paul says this person knows about God but doesn’t have a relationship with God. Salvation and eternal life must be attained in God’s way – through Jesus.

How should I respond?

Excuses – we all make them from time to time. However, everyone is without excuse for his or her sin before God. Do you identify with someone described in today’s passage? Are you a good or religious person trying to make your good deeds outweigh your bad? Morality and religious tradition can’t transform your heart. Salvation is internal and comes through belief in Christ alone. What excuses have you made to God this week? Submitting your heart to Jesus as Lord means not only knowing the truth but also obeying it without excuse.