From Condemnation to Grace

Romans 3:10–24 CEB

10 As it is written, There is no righteous person, not even one. 11 There is no one who understands. There is no one who looks for God. 12 They all turned away. They have become worthless together. There is no one who shows kindness. There is not even one. 13 Their throat is a grave that has been opened. They are deceitful with their tongues, and the poison of vipers is under their lips. 14 Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness. 15 Their feet are quick to shed blood; 16 destruction and misery are in their ways; 17 and they don’t know the way of peace. 18 There is no fear of God in their view of the world. 19 Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, in order to shut every mouth and make it so the whole world has to answer to God. 20 It follows that no human being will be treated as righteous in his presence by doing what the Law says, because the knowledge of sin comes through the Law. 21 But now God’s righteousness has been revealed apart from the Law, which is confirmed by the Law and the Prophets. 22 God’s righteousness comes through the faithfulness of Jesus Christ for all who have faith in him. There’s no distinction. 23 All have sinned and fall short of God’s glory, 24 but all are treated as righteous freely by his grace because of a ransom that was paid by Christ Jesus.

From Condemnation to Grace

Out of all the readings that I may choose to preach a sermon from during the season, this particular passage could be the one that is most suitable for the season. "Not even a single person is righteous," the Bible says in verse 10.

Take a moment to reflect on how chaotic the world around us can actually be at times. There is a lot of awful stuff that is happening, such as people forgetting about God, violence everywhere, and a feeling that things will never get better. "Who can fix all of this mess?" is a question that comes to mind. Who is capable of putting things back in order? Experiencing this sensation of hopelessness is similar to wanting that someone or something would arrive and make things better as soon as possible. We have come to the realization that we are unable to solve everything on our own; we require assistance from someone who is more powerful than ourselves.

So when we hear these lines, it serves as a reminder of how seriously broken our world is and how desperately we require the assistance of God. It shows us that only through Jesus can we find hope and healing. Only through him can we find reconciliation with God and restore order.

When we are in the midst of this hopelessness, we frequently have the desire to respond, "We will, if we just work hard enough!" We then proceed to fill our calendars with the rules, norms, and processes that we have developed. Despite our efforts, the world continues to appear to be broken and lost. We are not very different from the people who were the first to hear this passage; they were people who relied on the law to establish the limits of life, to guide them toward God, and to keep them away from death.

The laws that will save us and the principles that will keep us in check and steer us toward life are something that we, too, are looking for.

In spite of the fact that setting limits is admirable and essential and that carrying out the work to which we have been called is wonderful, if we rely solely on these things, we will still be left wanting.

Imagine yourself sitting in a trial, burdened with guilt as you hear all of the accusations made against you. Everyone seems to witness every mistake and flaw brought to their attention. Romans 3:10–18 is where the Bible expresses its thoughts on this topic. The author, Paul, provides a vivid illustration of the ways in which sin has an impact on every single person. We all seem to be on trial, with no means to evade conviction.

At the same time, there is a glimmer of hope even in this grim circumstance. It is like a brilliant light shining in the midst of darkness. We have this hope because God has shown us how to be right with Him, and it is not by making a concerted effort to adhere to all of the commandments; rather, it is through faith in Jesus. We mark the beginning of a new existence when we cease judgment and begin to receive forgiveness and new life.

Although the scene in Romans that takes place in the courtroom may appear to be terrifying, it serves as a reminder that we can transition from a state of feeling condemned to one of experiencing the grace and love of God through Jesus.

Today, as we delve into the words of Scripture, may our hearts be stirred by the magnitude of God's love. May we grasp the truth that in Christ, we are no longer condemned but set free by His boundless grace. Let us open our ears and our hearts to receive this timeless message of salvation.

Romans 3:10–18 CEB

10 As it is written, There is no righteous person, not even one. 11 There is no one who understands. There is no one who looks for God. 12 They all turned away. They have become worthless together. There is no one who shows kindness. There is not even one. 13 Their throat is a grave that has been opened. They are deceitful with their tongues, and the poison of vipers is under their lips. 14 Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness. 15 Their feet are quick to shed blood; 16 destruction and misery are in their ways; 17 and they don’t know the way of peace. 18 There is no fear of God in their view of the world.

The Universal Condition of Sin

Sin is not just about individual actions but extends to the core of human nature. It's like a pervasive disease that affects every aspect of our lives—our thoughts, desires, and behaviors. From the smallest lie to the gravest injustice, sin taints our actions and separates us from God's perfect standard of righteousness.

Consider everyday scenarios: a person telling a small lie to avoid trouble, someone harboring resentment and bitterness towards others, or acts of selfishness and greed that disregard the well-being of others. These are all manifestations of the universal reality of sin in human life.

I’ve been reading from some of the early Church Father’s. Origen was from Alexandria Egypt and would have been a second or third generation Christian, living about AD 200 - AD 254. I came across something that he wrote about this thought and included a great illustration to help us understand it better. He wrote:

New Testament VI: Romans (Revised) No One Has Brought Goodness to Full Fruition

That no one has done good, not even one, is a hard saying and difficult to understand. How is it possible that no one, Jew or Greek, has ever done anything good? Are we supposed to believe that nobody has ever shown hospitality, fed the hungry, clothed the naked, delivered the innocent from the hands of the powerful or done anything similar? It does not seem possible to me that Paul was intending to assert anything as incredible as that. I think that what he meant must be understood as follows. If someone lays the foundation for a house and puts up one or two walls or transports some building materials to the site, can he be said to have built the house, just because he has set to work on it? The man who will be said to have built the house is the one who has finished off each and every part of it. So I think that here the apostle is saying that no one has done good in the sense that no one has brought goodness to perfection and completion. If we ask ourselves who is truly good and who has done good perfectly, we shall find only him who said: “I am the good shepherd,” and again: “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

If we ask ourselves who is truly good and who has done good perfectly, we shall find only him who said: “I am the good shepherd,” and again: “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

The depth of human sinfulness stands as a sobering reminder of our inherent brokenness and the inadequacy of our own efforts to achieve righteousness. Despite our best intentions and moral endeavors, we consistently fall short of God's perfect standard. This sobering reality is vividly portrayed in the book of Romans, which unequivocally declares the universal truth that no one, regardless of their background or moral striving, can attain righteousness apart from God's intervention.

Our desperate need for redemption stems from the pervasive and all-encompassing nature of sin in our lives. It infiltrates every aspect of our being, corrupting our thoughts, distorting our motivations, and influencing our actions. We cannot simply rely on being "good enough" to earn God's favor or merit salvation through our own merits. The passage in Romans powerfully underscores this fundamental truth, challenging any notion of self-righteousness or moral superiority.

Acknowledging and embracing our need for God's grace and mercy is a pivotal step toward true redemption. It requires us to humble ourselves before God, acknowledging our inherent limitations and shortcomings, and relinquishing our futile attempts at self-justification. This act of acknowledgment and surrender opens the door to receiving the transformative gift of salvation offered through Jesus Christ.

Furthermore, the Scriptures vividly describe the characteristics of sin that permeate human society. It speaks of deceitful tongues that spread falsehoods and sow discord among people, leading to division and conflict. The passage also references feet that are swift to shed blood, symbolizing acts of violence and aggression motivated by self-centeredness and uncontrolled anger. Additionally, it depicts hearts filled with corruption and rebellion against God, reflecting the deep-seated defiance and moral decay within humanity.

These descriptions resonate with the brokenness and dysfunction we witness in the world today. Dishonesty and manipulation poison relationships, eroding trust and fostering betrayal. Wars and conflicts fueled by greed and hatred ravage communities, leaving behind scars of devastation and loss. The moral decay prevalent in society contributes to a culture of selfishness and disregard for others, undermining the fabric of shared values and ethics.

The consequences of sin extend far beyond individual lives; they impact entire communities and societies. Sin fractures relationships, causing rifts and fractures in families and communities. Dreams are shattered as individuals succumb to the destructive forces of sin, leading to despair and hopelessness. The sense of alienation from God and one another deepens, creating a void that worldly pursuits cannot fill.

Spiritual death, symbolizing separation from God, is a direct consequence of sin. It erects a barrier between humanity and God's intended design for harmonious and flourishing existence. The pervasive brokenness resulting from sin mars God's original plan of peace, love, and unity among His creation.

When we contemplate the far-reaching consequences of sin, we discern its palpable repercussions in both individual lives and broader societal contexts. Families torn apart by conflict and discord exemplify the devastating impact of sin on intimate relationships. Communities ravaged by crime and injustice illuminate the societal breakdown resulting from unaddressed sinfulness. The world's existence marked by anguish and distress serves as a poignant testimony to the profound ramifications of humanity's sinful nature.

These sobering examples underscore the urgent need for redemption and restoration. They serve as a poignant reminder of the widespread influence of sin on individuals, communities, and the world at large, emphasizing the paramount importance of seeking God's love and mercy for healing and renewal.

Despite the overwhelming sense of despair, there exists within humanity a universal and profound longing for redemption—a deep-seated desire for restoration and renewal. This longing has echoed throughout history as humanity has grappled with the pervasive problem of sin and brokenness, seeking solutions through various ideologies, philosophies, and religious systems in a quest for salvation.

However, these human endeavors inevitably fall short of providing lasting and comprehensive solutions. While they may offer temporary relief or partial understanding, they cannot fully address the root cause of sin or bring about lasting transformation. The limitations of human efforts highlight the inherent need for divine intervention and the unique role of Jesus Christ as the ultimate answer to humanity's deepest longing for redemption.

Throughout history, people have explored different paths in search of meaning, purpose, and deliverance from sin's grip. Some have turned to philosophical systems, seeking wisdom and enlightenment to navigate life's complexities. Others have embraced religious teachings and practices, hoping to find peace and reconciliation with God. Still, others have pursued material wealth, power, or success, believing these pursuits would satisfy their deepest longings.

While these pursuits may offer temporary satisfaction or a sense of fulfillment, they ultimately leave humanity yearning for something more—a true and lasting solution to the problem of sin and brokenness. This longing points to a deeper spiritual hunger—a recognition that human efforts alone cannot bring about the restoration and renewal that our souls crave.

It is in this context that the unique role of Jesus Christ becomes paramount. Unlike human ideologies or systems, Jesus offers not just temporary relief but complete transformation and reconciliation with God. He is the embodiment of God's love and mercy, offering forgiveness for sins, healing for brokenness, and a path to eternal life.

Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross and resurrection from the grave provide the ultimate solution to humanity's deepest need. Through faith in Him, individuals can experience true redemption, restoration, and renewal. Jesus is not just a historical figure or a moral teacher; He is the living Son of God who offers salvation and new life to all who believe in Him.

Romans 3:23 CEB

23 All have sinned and fall short of God’s glory,

Righteousness through Faith

Imagine a skilled archer standing before a target, each arrow carefully aimed at the bullseye. Despite years of training, dedication, and the best equipment available, not a single arrow hits the exact center every time. Some may come close, but there's always a slight deviation, a tiny imperfection that prevents perfection.

Similarly, the law sets a standard like the bullseye, a perfect mark of righteousness that we aim to achieve. It outlines moral principles, ethical conduct, and divine expectations. Yet, just like the archer, we inevitably fall short of hitting that target flawlessly every time. No matter how hard we try, how disciplined we are, or how sincere our efforts, there's always a gap between what the law requires and what we can deliver.

Consider a student striving for straight A's in every subject. Despite diligent study, attending classes, and seeking help when needed, there may still be moments of imperfection—an overlooked detail in an assignment, a question misunderstood on a test, or a topic that proves challenging despite sincere efforts.

In the same way, the law demands perfection from us, yet we are human, prone to mistakes, limitations, and moments of weakness. It's like trying to walk a tightrope without stumbling—a task that requires flawless balance and precision, something beyond our natural ability.

This illustration underscores the reality that the law's standard is unattainable for us on our own. Just as the archer may need assistance like adjusting their aim or using improved equipment to get closer to the bullseye, and the student may benefit from tutoring or extra support to improve their grades, we need something beyond ourselves to meet the law's demands.

This is where grace enters the picture, offering a way forward when we fall short of the law's perfect standard. Grace acknowledges our imperfections and provides the help, forgiveness, and transformation we need to move closer to righteousness. It's like the archer receiving guidance to improve their aim or the student receiving extra resources to understand challenging subjects better.

In essence, the illustration of the archer and the student reflects our human condition—we strive for perfection but often fall short. However, grace steps in as a divine solution, offering assistance and a path to righteousness that surpasses our own abilities.

Paul's central message in Romans is a profound revelation about the human condition and our relationship with God. He emphasizes that every person, without exception, falls short of God's perfect standard due to sin. This acknowledgment is not meant to discourage or condemn but to highlight the universal need for grace—the unmerited favor and forgiveness extended to us by God.

The concept of sin is deeply ingrained in Paul's message. Sin, in its essence, is any thought, word, or action that goes against God's will and falls short of His perfect standard. Paul stresses that regardless of our efforts or intentions, we all inevitably commit sin and therefore stand in need of redemption.

The impossibility of earning our way out of sin is a critical aspect of Paul's message. He contrasts the idea of works-based righteousness, where one tries to merit salvation through good deeds or adherence to religious laws, with the concept of grace-based righteousness. Paul argues that no amount of good works or religious observance can make us right with God because we will always fall short of perfection.

This understanding is liberating in its honesty. It frees us from the burden of trying to earn God's favor through our own efforts, which are inherently flawed and insufficient. Instead, Paul points to grace as the solution—the undeserved kindness and mercy of God extended to us through Jesus Christ.

Grace is not something we can earn or achieve through our works; it is a gift freely given by God. It is through faith in Jesus and His sacrificial death and resurrection that we receive the fullness of God's grace. This grace not only forgives our sins but also transforms us from the inside out, renewing our hearts and empowering us to live in accordance with God's will.

Paul's message underscores the foundational truth that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. It is a message of hope and assurance, reassuring us that our salvation does not depend on our own flawed efforts but on the perfect work of Jesus on our behalf. This truth invites us to embrace God's grace wholeheartedly, trusting in His unfailing love and mercy to redeem and restore us.

Embracing God's Grace

How do we embrace this grace?

Acknowledge our sinful nature: The first step in embracing God's grace is to acknowledge our own sinfulness. This involves recognizing that we have fallen short of God's perfect standard and are in need of His forgiveness and mercy.

Repentance and humility: True repentance is essential for receiving God's grace. This means turning away from our sinful ways, seeking forgiveness, and humbling ourselves before God. It involves a change of heart and a sincere desire to live in alignment with God's will.

Reject self-righteousness: Embracing God's grace requires letting go of any self-righteous attitudes or beliefs. We must understand that we cannot earn salvation through our own efforts or good deeds but rely entirely on God's grace and mercy.

Place faith in Jesus: Central to embracing God's grace is placing our faith in Jesus Christ. We believe that He is the Son of God, who died for our sins and rose again, offering us salvation and eternal life. Faith in Jesus is the foundation of our relationship with God and the gateway to experiencing His grace.

Receive God's gift of grace: Grace is a free gift from God that we cannot earn or deserve. Embracing God's grace involves receiving this gift with gratitude and humility, knowing that it is by His grace alone that we are saved.

Live transformed by grace: Embracing God's grace is not just a one-time event but a lifelong journey. It involves living a transformed life guided by God's grace, love, and teachings. This includes growing in faith, practicing forgiveness and compassion, and striving to live in obedience to God's commands.

Let's think about how we move from condemnation to receiving God's love and forgiveness and grace. It starts with realizing that we all sin and don't always do what's right. This makes us feel guilty and ashamed.

But then, we understand that we can ask for forgiveness and change our ways. We stop thinking we're better than others and instead, admit that we need God's help to do better. This is where God's grace comes in—His love and kindness that we don't deserve but receive anyway.

When we accept God's grace, it changes us inside. We let go of our past sins and know that God forgives us. We also start living according to God's teachings of love, forgiveness, and doing what's right.

I invite each of you to embrace this transformative gift with open hearts and minds. Let us remember that we are not condemned by our mistakes or shortcomings but are offered forgiveness and redemption through Jesus Christ.

I urge you to let go of any feelings of unworthiness or guilt and instead, place your trust and faith in Jesus. He is the source of our salvation and the embodiment of God's grace and love. Through Him, we can experience true freedom and righteousness.

As we embrace God's grace, let us also commit to living lives that reflect His love and teachings. Let us extend grace and forgiveness to others, just as we have received from God. Let us strive to be instruments of peace, compassion, and righteousness in our families, communities, and the world.