All Have Sinned And Righteousness Through Faith
Romans 3:9-4:12
In Romans 3:9-4:12, Apostle Paul addresses the misconceptions around faith and righteousness in the context of Jewish customs, particularly circumcision. He starts by questioning the superiority of Jews and their customs, emphasizing that both Jews and Gentiles alike are under the power of sin (3:9). He draws from the Old Testament to underline the universal sinfulness of humanity, declaring no one is righteous (3:10-12).
He then introduces the concept of justification by God's grace as a gift through the redemption available in Christ (3:24). He speaks of the sacrifice of Jesus, presented as a propitiation by God, which is received by faith (3:25). This act of grace demonstrates God's righteousness because, in His divine forbearance, He passed over the previous sins (3:26). Further, Paul asserts that justification comes from faith and not observing the law. He maintains that God is the God of both Jews and Gentiles, and He will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through the same faith.
Paul uses Abraham's example to illustrate his point. He explains that Abraham was considered righteous because of his faith, not his circumcision (a physical work). This righteousness by faith was credited to him while he was still uncircumcised, making him a father of all who believe, whether circumcised or not (4:9-12). Paul underscores that Abraham's righteousness, before his circumcision, positions him as a spiritual 'father' to all believers, circumcised or not. He argues that external rituals do not determine the essence of being a spiritual descendant of Abraham but by following in the footsteps of Abraham's faith. Paul concludes by emphasizing that faith, expressed through love and commitment to obedience, is the significant factor for Jews and Gentiles, rather than physical circumcision.
Paul concludes that one's spiritual acts, such as circumcision, do not justify one's righteousness, but faith does. He deems circumcision as a "sign" and "seal" of righteousness, not a means to acquire it. The key takeaway is that righteousness is not about observing religious rituals, but about having faith in God's promises, following the example of Abraham.
He then introduces the concept of justification by God's grace as a gift through the redemption available in Christ (3:24). He speaks of the sacrifice of Jesus, presented as a propitiation by God, which is received by faith (3:25). This act of grace demonstrates God's righteousness because, in His divine forbearance, He passed over the previous sins (3:26). Further, Paul asserts that justification comes from faith and not observing the law. He maintains that God is the God of both Jews and Gentiles, and He will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through the same faith.
Paul uses Abraham's example to illustrate his point. He explains that Abraham was considered righteous because of his faith, not his circumcision (a physical work). This righteousness by faith was credited to him while he was still uncircumcised, making him a father of all who believe, whether circumcised or not (4:9-12). Paul underscores that Abraham's righteousness, before his circumcision, positions him as a spiritual 'father' to all believers, circumcised or not. He argues that external rituals do not determine the essence of being a spiritual descendant of Abraham but by following in the footsteps of Abraham's faith. Paul concludes by emphasizing that faith, expressed through love and commitment to obedience, is the significant factor for Jews and Gentiles, rather than physical circumcision.
Paul concludes that one's spiritual acts, such as circumcision, do not justify one's righteousness, but faith does. He deems circumcision as a "sign" and "seal" of righteousness, not a means to acquire it. The key takeaway is that righteousness is not about observing religious rituals, but about having faith in God's promises, following the example of Abraham.
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