vv. 11-21 contain capsule statements of some of the most significant truths about Christianity. Namely, justification by faith.
Paul now begins to develop the message that is central to his letter, and to the whole of Christianity.
All men need salvation. It is a universal truth that all mankind everywhere, that every lived or will ever live, need to be reconciled with their Creator. Why? Because of our universal guilt.
Our problem is not the result of a single instance of sin or even several. Our problem stems from total alienation from God.
Col 1:21, … you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind,..."
Rom 5:10, "… we were enemies," of God.
Rom 8:7, we were, "...hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able {to do so}
So, the question of the ages for all mankind becomes…
'Can mankind be just before God? "...how can a man be in the right before God? (Job 4:17 & 9:2 resp.)
Not by the Law. "because by the works of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin" (Ro. 3:20).
The Law was given as a tremendous act of grace to show us our condition – that we are dead – alienated enemies of the holy, living God.
So, then comes the question again, "How then can a man be just with God?" (Job 25:4).
Here's how:
Rom 8:3, For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God {did:} sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and {as an offering} for sin,..."
Justification, reconciliation with God, righteousness restored in man, comes only one way: Through the righteousness of Christ and our faith in Him alone. |
