Comprehensive Doctrine of Justification (3)

 

 

 

[Romans 2:16 – 3:8]

 

 

 

However, despite these positive aspects, the Jews sinned against God.  What sins did they commit?

 

  • The Jews committed the sin of teaching others but not instructing themselves.

 

Romans 2:21 says, "You, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself?..." [(Modern Korean Bible) ‘If you teach others, why don't you teach yourself?’]

 

  • The Jews, while proclaiming "Do not steal" and "Do not commit adultery," committed the sin of theft and adultery themselves.

 

Romans 2:21-22 states, "...You who preach against stealing, do you steal?  You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?"  They committed the sin of engaging in actions they considered abominable while preaching against them.

 

  • The Jews, boasting in the Law, violated it, committing the sin that disgraces God.

 

Romans 2:23 says, "You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law?" [(Modern Korean Bible) ‘You who boast in the law, do you violate the law and dishonor God?’]

 

  • The Jews sinned by bringing reproach upon the name of God among the Gentiles.

 

Romans 2:24 declares, "As it is written: 'God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.'" [(Modern Korean Bible) ‘The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.’]

 

In this way, despite their positive aspects, the Jews sinned against God.  Therefore, just like everyone else, the Jews fell short of the glory of God (3:23).  Hence, the Jews, too, unequivocally need God's justification.

 

How are we today?  Could it be that, although we Christians verbally give glory to God, our lives are causing dishonor to Him?  Are we, through our sins, bringing reproach upon God's name among those who do not believe in Jesus because of us?  Are we, as those entrusted with God's Word, boasting in the law, relying on it, and yet dishonoring God by breaking it?  Despite knowing God's will, discerning what is good, and being a guiding light for those spiritually blind in darkness, are we failing to teach ourselves and living contrary to the teachings we impart, thus causing dishonor to God and blasphemy among those who don't believe?  If so, we need to rely on the power of Jesus' blood, confess and repent of our sins, live according to God's Word, and turn away from dishonoring God, choosing instead to live a life that brings glory to Him.  As Matthew 5:13-16 says: "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."