Romans 3:9
Are we truly better off simply by holding the Bible in our hands? Does possessing good theological knowledge ensure our salvation?
While these factors do offer us a tremendous advantage, they alone cannot guarantee our eternal redemption. Nevertheless, having the Word of God is an invaluable privilege, as highlighted by the Apostle Paul.
Romans 3:9 states, “What then? Are we better than they? Not at all; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin.”
To counter Paul’s assertion, a skeptic raises a voice claiming that being a Jew brings certain advantages. After all, having direct access to the revelation of God seems to grant superiority over other sinners, right?
Today, some may argue that it is better to be a sinner within a Baptist congregation than within a Methodist one. The Methodist, on the other hand, might believe that their particular brand of sinning is more advantageous than not attending church at all. Surely, our earthly positions will be taken into account, and our judgment will be less severe than others?
Paul, however, resolutely denies such claims. He dismisses any notion of preferential treatment before God. We all stand on equal ground, regardless of our circumstances.
Sin remains sin, irrespective of whether it is concealed beneath a cloak of reformation or concealed by Catholic vestments. Our theological affiliations or roles within the church hold no significance when we ultimately face God’s judgment.
Take a moment to ponder this: the MIT laboratory conducted a study to determine how long a famous individual is remembered after their passing. Astonishingly, their calculations suggest a lifespan of only five to thirty years in the collective memory.
The Bible accurately portrays our mortality, describing us as dust that shall return to dust and our lives as fleeting mists. Our only hope lies in the everlasting nature of a new existence bestowed upon us through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Therefore, my friends, strive to live for eternity. Above all else, holiness matters most.
For a devotion on Romans 3:10-18 click here.
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