Romans 3 reminds me of the simple definition of sin. I had vague notions and examples in my mind until the youn pastor explained it as an archery term that means to miss the mark. A “sin” is literally not hitting perfection. The chapter begins with a question about the advantages of being a Jew. The apostle Paul wrote that “the Jews have been entrusted with the very words of God”. Pastor Sandy explained a scribe’s entire job was to perfectly copy the written Word of God. Although it has been translated into many languages, we have original Hebrew text dating back more than 3000 years. Paul quickly transitions to faithfulness. I considered myself to be more reliable than most, but the apostle compared the faithfulness of man to the faithfulness of God. For the first time in my life I realized that God’s standard for “good” is perfect. Paul quotes from the Old Testament to prove his point that “Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin”. He wrote the words that completely removed my personal safety net. “There is no one righteous, not even one”. Just in case there was any doubt, he added, “there is no one who does good, not even one… and the way of peace they do not know”. If the path to peace with God is impossible, what is the point of all those Thou Shalt Not’s? We read another verse that gave me a new perspective. “Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin”. Much like a Speed Limit sign, the Law of Moses set a fixed standard for everyone. Each of us can see that we have fallen short in some areas.
How then can someone find peace with God? The apostle gave the solution, followed by the explanation. He wrote, “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe”. I had been taught that we must do certain good works to earn a spot in heaven. How could faith make me right with God? Paul continues, “God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of His blood”. Pastor Sandy taught about the significance of the Passover Lamb. The Book of Exodus records the ceremony as part of God’s judgment in Egypt. The blood of the lamb was spread on the horizontal and vertical beams of the door. God’s judgment passed over these homes, and Israel was freed from bondage. He explained that this was symbolic of the Messiah that would later cover the sin for all mankind. He described the horizontal and vertical beams of the cross and I was astounded.
The chapter continues, “He did this to demonstrate His righteousness”. Pastor Sandy explained that Christ willingly died in my place “to be just and the one who justifies”. He explained that a righteous God could not overlook my lawbreaking. The debt of my sin must be paid. On the cross, God judged sin, and paid the penalty. He was both righteous judge and willing sacrifice at the same time. He also defined another word I did not yet comprehend. Redemption is offered “freely by His grace”. Grace, he explained, is a gift I cannot afford or earn. It is God’s mercy given without restraint. This faithful Bible teacher read on. This grace gift can only “be received by faith”. Slowly I understood that it was not how much faith I had, but in Whom I placed my faith. God alone is righteous. Finally, the good news was explained. “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe”. I thought, there must be more to it. But Paul continues, “There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. All means all; every one of us is a sinner. He concludes, “a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law”. I knew I was a sinner in need of this gift of grace. Do you know how to access it?