Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ -- called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God (by whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for His name) is writing to all that be in Rome - those who are the beloved of God, called to be saints. (Romans 1:1-7)
Paul does not want them to be ignorant of the good news gospel of Jesus Christ - for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek -- for therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith!" (Romans 1:16-17)
"Among whom ye are also the called of Jesus Christ!" (Romans 1:6)
Throughout, apostle Paul has repeatedly written of his heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel -- that they might be saved. While he bears record that they have a zeal for God, Paul is clear that their zeal is not according to knowledge. "For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God!" (Romans 10:3)
Remember, Paul's starting point -- therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith.
In Romans 3, Paul shows us how the Lord has levelled the playing field -- that both Jews and Gentiles are all under sin. As it is written, "There is none righteous, no not one." (Romans 3:9-10) But he does not stop there. Paul continues -- "there is none that understands, there is none that seek after God. They are all gone out of the way; they are together become unprofitable; there is none that does good - no, not one." (Romans 3:9-11) Indeed, all the world hath become guilty before God. (Romans 3:19)
By the law came the knowledge of sin. The schoolmaster which should point us to Jesus the Christ.
"But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets. even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe for there is no difference for all have sin and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:21-23)
If Paul had concluded there, we would have no hope. But he did not.
"Being justified freely by His grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus - whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood; to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God, to declare, that He might be just and the justifier of him which believes in Jesus." (Romans 3:24-26)
We are saved by the law of faith. (Romans 3:27)
"Therefore, we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also -- seeing [it is] one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith and uncircumcision through faith. Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid; yea, we establish the law." (Romans 3:28-310
In other words, when God willingly became our Saviour, He levelled the playing field between the Israelites and the Gentiles. He made it so that we are all under sin. That none of us are righteous -- no not one! All this so that He could bring salvation to all those who believe in Him -- Jesus.
This is the good news gospel message -- that we all come to the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. Come to Jesus today!
Read Acts 2:36-41. Stand in the offering plate.
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