What then? Are we better than they?
Not at all; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin; as it is written,
There is none righteous, not even one;
There is none who understands,
There is none who seeks for God;
All have turned aside, together they have become useless;
There is none who does good,
There is not even one.
Their throat is an open grave,
With their tongues they keep deceiving,
The poison of asps is under their lips;
Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness;
Their feet are swift to shed blood,
Destruction and misery are in their paths,
And the path of peace they have not known.
There is no fear of God before their eyes. Romans 3:9-18
But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; Romans 3:21-24
Christians are not better than anyone else. But, we are better off than anyone else. We all live under the curse of sin and our inability to keep the law of righteousness. However, God imputes to believers a righteousness that comes by faith. That helps us escape judgment and His wrath. This should produce a humility and sincere desire to introduce others to this amazing gift of God. Sadly, it doesn’t always. Sometimes we get confused and think we are better than others, not merely better off.
How well do I understand the degree to which I have been forgiven? Because I have been forgiven much, do I loveth much?
God, this morning I remember I am justified (put in a right relationship with You), as a gift by Your grace afforded me by the saving work of Jesus. For that I am grateful. May this be a blessed day with eternal consequences and Divine conversations. Bless the staff at church today with joy and rest. Give each of us the wisdom to lead the ministry You’ve called us to.
