Romans 2 & 3

Today as we open God’s Word we jump right into the deep end of theology.  Much of this section of Paul’s letter is dealing with the problem of human sin and the righteousness of God.  God is holy.  He is perfect.  He is other.  We are his creation and we are made in his image – yet we are given free will.  As a result – we used our freedom to disobey God.  Romans 3:9-18 gives us a clear picture of the depravity of the human situation.  Both Romans 2 and 3 talk much about the law and our great need for a savior.

The powerful thing about God’s Word is that it’s living and active.  Because the Holy Spirit indwells inside the believer – He can help us see scripture with fresh eyes every time we read it.  I love how the Lord helps me see something new and learn something every time I read it.  This morning as I read Romans 2 & 3 again the one phrase that sticks in my heart is Romans 2:4, “Or do you despise the riches of his kindness, restraint, and patience, not recognizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance.”  That is Good News!  The omnipotent, omnipresent, omniseint God of the universe – the one who is above all could have chosen to let us stay in our sin.  But because of his great love for us and his unfailing kindness – he leads us to repentance through the atoning sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ.