�For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin� (Rom. 3:20).
- Romans 3:9�20
When the Christians in Rome read Romans 1:18�32, they would have had in mind the rampant idolatry that surrounded them in the empire�s capitol. By the first century ad in Judea, the altars to false gods that often marked pre-exilic Judaism were absent, even though Gentiles still served images made by their own hands
(vv. 22�23). Homosexuality was seemingly unheard of in Jewish culture (vv. 24�27), but it was prevalent in Greco-Roman society.
Lest the physical descendants of Abraham think they were free from guilt, Paul spends chapter 2 indicting the Jews for their failure to be a light to the world. And in 3:20 he teaches that no human can be justified through the works of the Law. He implies in this that the Jews could not hide behind their chosen status. Given the occasional infidelity of otherwise faithful Israelites like Abraham, Moses, Deborah, Ezra, and others, how could the apostle have made such a sweeping statement? Paul does this because he knows that the Israelites became presumptuous upon God�s favor, and their observance of the Law devolved into mere ceremony. Their faith was, in short, arrogant. Without holiness, without bearing one another�s burdens, without loving God and our neighbors as ourselves, we show our faith to be dead, and it makes no difference to whom we are related.
Therefore, non-Christian Jews and Gentiles alike are under the power of sin (3:9) and have failed to seek God (v. 11). They have turned aside (v. 12) and have no fear of the Lord (v. 18) when measured against the divine standard. Whether taking another�s life literally (3:15) or metaphorically (vv. 13�14), all men (except Jesus) have failed to serve the Creator. The Israelites, Paul argues, are just as guilty as the Gentiles; indeed, �the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of [them]� (Rom. 2:24).
Apart from grace, even the Jews who have the �oracles of God� (3:2) are no better off than pagans before the heavenly court. Their unfaithfulness has made them all the more guilty. No one can be justified by the works of the Law, for all the Law can do in the hands of sinners is reveal the depth of their corruption (v. 20).
Coram Deo
Remember that though you are a new creation in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17), no longer bound by the power of sin, you will still struggle with it. Perhaps you can avoid speaking an unkind word, but how long can you go before you harbor jealousy? Consider your response whenever you have an evil thought. If you quickly acknowledge your sorrow for it and look to Jesus for forgiveness, you can be sure the Spirit is working within you. Ask God to help you resist internal sins.
Well now, that seems to be the complete opposite of this...
10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 1 John 1:10
Is the truth not in you PJ? Certainly if you claim to have no sin, this is what is said of you.
No it would seem you see a dark closely.
I never said A christian could not sin.
I realize sin is the act, big difference.
I also know why The Holy Spirit originally left man, the death spoken of in the Garden.
Spiritual death defined as the absence, departure of the holy spirit.
Btw the way Ryan the scripture illuminates why no man can put reformation theology ahead of the word of God and walk in the light as he is in the light.
What does this have to do with reformation theology? If the bible illuminated this so brightly then one would expect you to have been able to show that form the word after the 100 chances you've had to do it.
The bible speaks clearly of sins in our thought life as well. Sin doesn't not have to be some physical act we carry out.
Thoughts against the word of God are not sin it is those thought's acted upon that become an action of sin.
PJ said: Sin is an action
Thoughts against the word of God are not sin it is those thought's acted upon that become an action of sin.
But Jesus said:
Matt 5: 27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
This truth is evident by the word of God.
P.J. - You continue to deny scripture, that is sin.
This truth is evident by the word of God.
P.J. - You continue to deny scripture, that is sin.
Well Bob I hate to brake it to you but what you just posted totally agrees with what I said, if any one is lusting there is action invovled. It invovles a choice Bob, is not told to think on What Bob, it requires a decison. a choice.
No man can with his mind can out wit, the spirit of man indwellt in fulness with the spirit of God.
Man's mind is to be subject the inward man, not man to be dominated by the mind.
All of man's members are to be subject to his influence.
