Archives for August 2023

Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for Himself! 

(Charles Simeon)  LISTEN to Audio!  Download Audio 
 
“Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for Himself!” Psalm 4:3 
 
Who are the special objects of God’s favor?  
 
The world is divided into only two kinds of men–the godly and the ungodly. 
 
The godly are to be distinguished from the ungodly, by a great variety of marks: 
 
1. The godly fear God.  

The generality of people sin without any shame or remorse, Ephesians 4:18-19. But the godly can no longer proceed in such an evil course, 1 Peter 4:2-3. 
They humble themselves before God for their past offences. 
They guard against sinning against Him, even in thought! 2 Corinthians 10:5. 
 
  2. The godly love God.  

They are not actuated by a merely slavish fear. 
They have the Spirit of adoption given to them, Galatians 4:5. 
They sincerely delight to do their Father’s will, Romans 7:22. 
They account the enjoyment of His favor to be their highest happiness, Psalm 4:6-7. 
 
   3. The godly serve God.  

Their religion does not consist in mere ineffectual feelings. 
It is obvious to all that they are God’s servants. 
They perform even their civil and social duties with a reference to God, Romans 13:5-6. 
They do everything with a view to God’s glory, 1 Corinthians 10:31. 
 
What are the special honors which God confers upon the godly?  
 
God has “set them apart,” as distinct from those who perish. 
 
  1. He has set the godly apart secretly, in His eternal purpose.  

His regard for them did not commence after they became godly. Their godliness is the fruit of His love to them, and not the cause of His love! Jeremiah 31:3, 2 Timothy 1:9, Ephesians 1:4, and Romans 8:29-30. He loved them and set His heart upon them, from eternity past! 
 
  2. He has also set the godly apart openly, when He effectually calls them by His grace.  

In time, God effectually calls and converts all whom He chose in eternity past. 
He inclines and enables them to come out from the world, 2 Corinthians 6:17-18. 
He causes them to devote themselves to His service, 1 Peter 2:9. 
 
3. He has also set the godly apart, for Himself.  
 
He makes their souls His own habitation, 2 Corinthians 6:16. 
He sheds abroad His love in their hearts by His Holy Spirit. 
He preserves them as living monuments of His power and grace. 
He regards them as His own treasured possession, Psalm 135:4. 
 
“Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for Himself!“ 
 
“You are: 
  a chosen people, 
  a royal priesthood, 
  a holy nation, 
  a people belonging to God, 
that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9 

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com 

Good morning,

Romans 4 illustrates the concept of faith through the life of Abraham. To correctly interpret this chapter we must read Genesis 15:1-6 and Genesis 17:1-14, 22-24. Then we must factor in when and to whom was the Law given. When we have all these reference points clear, then we see how Paul makes his argument that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ and not by the Law or Circumcision.

Today we look at Romans 4:13-25.

The promise realized through faith (13-25)

¹³ For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.¹⁴ For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:¹⁵ Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.¹⁶ Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,

Remember our introduction. The Law was given many years after Abraham lived. It is not the Law that makes us righteous, but faith in God and His promises.

¹⁷ (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.¹⁸ Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.

God chose Abraham to be the father of all of us. Gentiles and Jews. The promise God made to Abram in Genesis 15 was carried out by allowing Abraham to be father to both the Gentiles and Jews. The conflicts we have today in the Middle East are the result of this sibling rivalry.

¹⁹ And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb:²⁰ He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;²¹ And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.²² And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.

Do women conceive at the age of 90? No. Abraham believed God could do whatever He said. Do we have that kind of faith?  

²³ Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;²⁴ But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;²⁵ Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

And yet we have believed the impossible. Who would believe that God would send His only Son to die on a cross, shedding His perfect blood to pay our sin debt, be buried, and three days come out of the grave alive? WE DID! We did it by faith in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ.

As Abraham’s act of faith changed the world, so does ours. When our faith is put in Jesus, the result is a changed life, and one ready to reach others for Christ, ultimately changing the world.

“Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.”

Go do the same.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

ROMANS 4 

For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 

INTRODUCTION Genesis 15 and 17 

1) Abraham an illustration (1) 

What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? 

2) God does not impute sin against a justified man (2-8) 

^“For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.³For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.⁴Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.⁵But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.⁶Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,⁷Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.⁸Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.” 

Abram trusted in the promise of God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. God promised him a seed from his own body. He was 85 years old at the time. Yet he believed.   

3) Abraham’s salvation a pattern for both Gentiles and Jews (9-12) 

⁹Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.¹⁰How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.¹¹And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:¹²And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. 

We learned in the Introduction that the promise was given before the covenant to be circumcised. At that point he had not been circumcised. So, Abram/Abraham could not have been justified by circumcision.  

Righteousness does not come from works but in believing God’s promises. Today it is through believing in the Lord Jesus Christ who shed His blood to pay our sin debt. 

4) The promise realized through faith (13-25) 

¹³For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.¹⁴For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:¹⁵Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.¹⁶Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, 

Remember our introduction. The Law was given many years after Abraham lived. It is not the Law that makes us righteous, but faith in God and His promises. 

¹⁷(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.¹⁸Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. 

God chose Abraham to be the father of all of us. Gentiles and Jews. The promise God made to Abram in Genesis 15 was carried out by allowing Abraham to be father to both the Gentiles and Jews. The conflicts we have today in the Middle East are the result of this sibling rivalry.  

¹⁹And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb:²⁰He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;²¹And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.²²And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. 

Do women conceive at the age of 90? No. Abraham believed God could do whatever He said. Do we have that kind of faith?  

²³Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;²⁴But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;²⁵Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. 

And yet we have believed the impossible. Who would believe that God would send His only Son to die on a cross, shedding His perfect blood to pay our sin debt, be buried, and three days come out of the grave alive? WE DID! We did it by faith in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ.  

As Abraham’s act of faith changed the world, so does ours. When our faith is put in Jesus, the result is a changed life, and one ready to reach others for Christ, ultimately changing the world. 

“Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.” 

Go do the same. 

CONCLUSION 

• We are saved by faith 
• Abram was saved by faith 
• Place Abram/Abraham historically 
• ASK: How many Jews were living in Abram’s day? 
• ASK: How long had the Law been in effect during Abraham’s life? 
• ASK: What is faith? In whom do we place our faith? 

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com 

Good morning,

Romans 4 illustrates the concept of faith through the life of Abraham. To correctly interpret this chapter we must read Genesis 15:1-6 and Genesis 17:1-14, 22-24. Then we must factor in when and to whom was the Law given. When we have all these reference points clear, then we see how Paul makes his argument that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ and not by the Law or Circumcision.

Today we look at Romans 4:1-12.

Abraham an illustration (1)

What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?

God does not impute sin against a justified man (2-8)

² For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.³ For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.⁴ Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.⁵ But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.⁶ Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,⁷ Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.⁸ Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

Abram trusted in the promise of God and it was counted unto him for righteousness. God promised him a seed from his own body. He was 85 years old at the time. Yet he believed.

3) Abraham’s salvation a pattern for both Gentiles and Jews (9-12)

⁹ Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.¹⁰ How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.¹¹ And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:¹² And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.

We learned in the Introduction that the promise was given before the covenant to be circumcised. At that point he had not been circumcised. So Abram/Abraham could not have been justified by circumcision.

Righteousness does not come from works but in believing God’s promises. Today it is through believing in the Lord Jesus Christ who shed His blood to pay our sin debt.

Tomorrow we will look at Romans 4:13-24.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Romans 4 illustrates the concept of faith through the life of Abraham. To correctly interpret this chapter we must read Genesis 15:1-6 and Genesis 17:1-14, 22-24. Then we must factor in when and to whom was the Law given. When we have all these reference points clear, then we see how Paul makes his argument that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ and not by the Law or Circumcision.

Genesis 15:1-6 Abram (Abraham) believed God’s promise.

After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.²And Abram said, Lord God, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?³ And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir.⁴And, behold, the word of the Lord came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir.⁵And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.⁶And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

Genesis 17:1-14, 22-24

And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.²And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.³And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,⁴As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.⁵Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.⁶And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.⁷And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.⁸And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.⁹And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations.¹⁰This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised.¹¹And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.¹²And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed.¹³He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.¹⁴And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.

²³And Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all that were born in his house, and all that were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s house; and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the selfsame day, as God had said unto him.²⁴And Abraham was ninety years old and nine, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.

When was Abram declared righteous, before or after the command to be circumcised?

Who was the Law given? Israel. At the time of Abraham was the nation of Israel established? No. If the Law was given to the nation of Israel how could Abraham been justified through the Law? He could not.

Abram’s faith in the promise of God made him righteous.

Understanding these principles we can now study Romans 4.

Tomorrow we will look at the first 12 verses.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

The more I see of Jesus!

(Mary Winslow)  LISTEN to audio!  Download audio

(You will find it helpful to listen to the audio above, as you read the text below.)

“My ears had heard of You, but now my eyes have seen You!
 Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.” Job 42:5-6

The more I see of Jesus, the more He opens to me His loving heart–the deeper is my sorrow for sin. I lie down in the dust at His feet closer than ever I did before. I can truly say I abhor myself in dust and ashes before Him. My heart seems ready to melt into contrition in view of the ten thousand thousand sins, willful and aggravating–that I have committed against Him who loved me with an everlasting love, and with loving kindness drew me to Himself.

So eternal and deep, so sovereign and boundless is the love of Jesus, that angels cannot fathom it! He is nothing but sincere, constant, and unabating love–to the weakest and most unworthy of all His little flock.

I feel such a weariness of this world that nothing here gives me anything more than a momentary, passing pleasure–and it is gone at a glance.

Oh, to have such a Friend as Jesus, who feels all our sorrows, carries all our burdens; and has promised to bring us safely through this trying world, and place us at last at His own right hand, where neither sickness nor sorrow shall ever come!

Oh for Heaven! Nothing else will satisfy my longing soul, but the sight of Him it loves!

Jesus is all in all to me, and He will be all in all through eternity!

Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name!
   ~  ~  ~  ~
Something to ponder:
“Pray against that thirst for light and trifling reading–that strange and sinful inconsistency of so many, the certain tendency of which is to starve the life of God in the soul, to engender a distaste for spiritual nourishment–for the Word of God, for holy meditation, and for Divine communion and fellowship.” Octavius Winslow
   ~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning, 

Romans 3 tells God’s plan for the salvation of mankind. The problem is all have sinned and need redemption. The solution is Jesus Christ’s blood sacrifice to pay man’s sin debt.  

Romans 3:21-31 

THE SOLUTION: Faith in Jesus Christ 

Justification by faith (21) 

²¹But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 

The law is established by Christ’s righteousness (22-31) 

²²Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: ²³For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; ²⁴Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: ²⁵Whom 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; ²⁶To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. ²⁷Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. ²⁸Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. ²⁹Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: ³⁰Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. ³¹Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. 

“Romans 3:21–31 finally introduces the ”good news” part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Up to this point, Paul has shown that even following the law cannot spare us from being judged by God for our sin. Now Paul announces that, through faith in Christ, we can be made righteous in God’s sight. Entirely apart from the law, we can be redeemed by the atoning sacrifice of Christ’s blood, willingly shed for our sin. This gift of God’s grace instead of wrath is available to everyone, Jews and Gentiles alike. This is truly good news!” 

Those who place their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ will spend eternity with Jesus in Heaven.  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) ^“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” (John 5:24) 

The abode of believers in Jesus is Heaven. Revelation 21 describes it. Revelation 21:27 states that the names of these people are written in the Lamb’s book of life. “And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life. 

We now have a clear choice, heaven or hell. Peace or torment. Cool refreshing water or fire. 

CHOOSE LIFE! 

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com 

Good morning, 

Romans 3 tells God’s plan for the salvation of mankind. The problem is all have sinned and need redemption. The solution is Jesus Christ’s blood sacrifice to pay man’s sin debt.  

First though, God speaks to the Jews through the Apostle Paul. The Jew had an advantage because they were given “…the oracles of God.” They had the opportunity to know God’s plan, promise, and covenants. They also were aware of the blessings and curses for obedience and disobedience. They really believed that because they were Jews they were above the judgment of God. They were wrong. 

Romans 3:1-8 

God’s special blessing to the Jews (1-8) 

Three questions 

What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? ²Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. 

³For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? ⁴God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.  

⁵But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) ⁶God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? ⁷For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? ⁸And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just. 

“Romans 3:1–8 contains a series of questions which might have come from someone opposed to Paul’s teaching in Romans 2. Using this challenge-response structure, Paul clarifies that being Jewish and circumcised still comes with great advantages. He also points out that God remains faithful to the Jewish people in spite of their sin. In fact, His faithfulness in the face of unfaithfulness increases His glory. That does not mean, however, that God wants human beings to continue to sin, as some were accusing Paul of teaching.” (BibleRef.com) 

It is one thing to know the Word of God and quite another to act upon what you know. As Israel failed to act on what God had revealed to them, Christians, in good Bible believing church’s, are ignoring the clear revealed will of God. Unbelievers see no difference in the believers’ lives than in their own. So, they ask “Why do we need to become a Christians?” 

Obeying God’s word is critical to the furtherance of the gospel outreach and salvation of lost souls.  

OBEY and be part of God’s solution. 

Romans 3:9-20 

THE PROBLEM: All are sinners (9-20) 

⁹What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; ¹⁰As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: ¹¹There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. ¹²They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. ¹³Their throat is an open sepulcher; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: ¹⁴Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: ¹⁵Their feet are swift to shed blood: ¹⁶Destruction and misery are in their ways: ¹⁷And the way of peace have they not known: ¹⁸There is no fear of God before their eyes. ¹⁹Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. ²⁰Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 

“Romans 3:9–20 contains a string of quotes from the Old Testament Scriptures. Paul uses these to demonstrate that both Jews and Greeks alike are under sin. After establishing that ”there is none who does good” from Psalm 14:1, Paul uses quotes from Psalms and Isaiah to show ways we have always used our bodies—throats, tongues, lips, feet, and eyes—to express our sinfulness. He concludes the section with his strongest statement, yet, that no human being will be justified in God’s sight by following the works of the law. The law can only show us our sin, not save us from it.” (BibleRef.com) 

Remember earlier God said He was no respecter of persons. That point is made clear in relationship to sin. All are under sin, none are righteous, none that understands, none that seeks God, none that does good.  

Sin separates us from God. If man’s sin is not dealt with, he will be eternally separated from God. Some may not see this as a problem until they understand what that entails. 

Hell is the abode of those who will not deal with their sin and turn to God. Hell is described as “torments”, “tormented in this flame” (Luke 16:19-31), “lake of fire and brimstone”, “tormented day and night forever and ever” (Revelation 20:7-10). 

Revelation 20:11-15 refers to these people as dead. Judgment day has come and those who chose not to repent of their sins stand before God. When the book of life was opened their names did not appear. The consequence is “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” 

That is where those who choose not to deal with their sin go.  

HOWEVER, there is a solution to the problem of sin. 

Romans 3:21-31 

THE SOLUTION: Faith in Jesus Christ 

Justification by faith (21) 

²¹But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 

The law is established by Christ’s righteousness (22-31) 

²²Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: ²³For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; ²⁴Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: ²⁵Whom 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; ²⁶To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. ²⁷Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. ²⁸Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. ²⁹Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: ³⁰Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. ³¹Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. 

“Romans 3:21–31 finally introduces the ”good news” part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Up to this point, Paul has shown that even following the law cannot spare us from being judged by God for our sin. Now Paul announces that, through faith in Christ, we can be made righteous in God’s sight. Entirely apart from the law, we can be redeemed by the atoning sacrifice of Christ’s blood, willingly shed for our sin. This gift of God’s grace instead of wrath is available to everyone, Jews and Gentiles alike. This is truly good news!” (BibleRef.com)

Those who place their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ will spend eternity with Jesus in Heaven.  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) ^“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” (John 5:24) 

The abode of believers in Jesus is Heaven. Revelation 21 describes it. Revelation 21:27 states that the names of these people are written in the Lamb’s book of life. “And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life. “

We now have a clear choice, heaven or hell. Peace or torment. Cool refreshing water or fire. 

CHOOSE LIFE! 

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com 

Good morning, 

Romans 3 tells God’s plan for the salvation of mankind. The problem is all have sinned and need redemption. The solution is Jesus Christ’s blood sacrifice to pay man’s sin debt.  

Romans 3:9-20 

THE PROBLEM: All are sinners (9-20) 

⁹What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; ¹⁰As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: ¹¹There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. ¹²They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. ¹³Their throat is an open sepulcher; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: ¹⁴Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: ¹⁵Their feet are swift to shed blood: ¹⁶Destruction and misery are in their ways: ¹⁷And the way of peace have they not known: ¹⁸There is no fear of God before their eyes. ¹⁹Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. ²⁰Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 

“Romans 3:9–20 contains a string of quotes from the Old Testament Scriptures. Paul uses these to demonstrate that both Jews and Greeks alike are under sin. After establishing that ”there is none who does good” from Psalm 14:1, Paul uses quotes from Psalms and Isaiah to show ways we have always used our bodies—throats, tongues, lips, feet, and eyes—to express our sinfulness. He concludes the section with his strongest statement, yet, that no human being will be justified in God’s sight by following the works of the law. The law can only show us our sin, not save us from it.” (BibleRef.com) 

Remember earlier God said He was no respecter of persons. That point is made clear in relationship to sin. All are under sin, none are righteous, none that understands, none that seeks God, none that does good.  

Sin separates us from God. If man’s sin is not dealt with, he will be eternally separated from God. Some may not see this as a problem until they understand what that entails. 

Hell is the abode of those who will not deal with their sin and turn to God. Hell is described as “torments”, “tormented in this flame” (Luke 16:19-31), “lake of fire and brimstone”, “tormented day and night forever and ever” (Revelation 20:7-10). 

Revelation 20:11-15 refers to these people as dead. Judgment day has come and those who chose not to repent of their sins stand before God. When the book of life was opened their names did not appear. The consequence is “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” 

That is where those who choose not to deal with their sin go.  

HOWEVER, there is a solution to the problem of sin. 

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning, 

Romans 3 tells God’s plan for the salvation of mankind. The problem is all have sinned and need redemption. The solution is Jesus Christ’s blood sacrifice to pay man’s sin debt.  

First though, God speaks to the Jews through the Apostle Paul. The Jew had an advantage because they were given “…the oracles of God.” They had the opportunity to know God’s plan, promise, and covenants. They also were aware of the blessings and curses for obedience and disobedience. They really believed that because they were Jews they were above the judgment of God. They were wrong. 

Romans 3:1-8 

God’s special blessing to the Jews (1-8) 

Three questions 

What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? ²Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. 

³For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? ⁴God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.  

⁵But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) ⁶God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? ⁷For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? ⁸And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just. 

“Romans 3:1–8 contains a series of questions which might have come from someone opposed to Paul’s teaching in Romans 2. Using this challenge-response structure, Paul clarifies that being Jewish and circumcised still comes with great advantages. He also points out that God remains faithful to the Jewish people in spite of their sin. In fact, His faithfulness in the face of unfaithfulness increases His glory. That does not mean, however, that God wants human beings to continue to sin, as some were accusing Paul of teaching.” (BibleRef.com) 

It is one thing to know the Word of God and quite another to act upon what you know. As Israel failed to act on what God had revealed to them, Christians, in good Bible believing church’s, are ignoring the clear revealed will of God. Unbelievers see no difference in the believers’ lives than in their own. So, they ask “Why do we need to become Christians?” 

Obeying God’s word is critical to the furtherance of the gospel outreach and salvation of lost souls.  

OBEY and be part of God’s solution. 

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com