Lawbreakers Salvation #161

Romans 3:19-22

19 Obviously, the law applies to those to whom it was given, for its purpose is to keep people from having excuses and to bring the entire world into judgment before God. 20 For no one can ever be made right in God’s sight by doing what his law commands. For the more we know God’s law, the clearer it becomes that we aren’t obeying it. 21 BUT NOW God has shown us a different way of being right in his sight—not by obeying the law BUT by the way promised in the Scriptures long ago. We are made right in God’s sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, no matter who we are or what we have done. (New Living Translation)

Aren’t you glad God gives us His plans for our lives in ways that not only we can understand but also apply to our lives. In this passage from Romans the Bible give us the contrast between our feeble attempts at keeping the law and God’s provision for all of us who are law breakers.

The purpose of the law was to show us our total inability to live a righteous life. The law points out our sins and leaves us with no excuse except to admit we do not live up to its demands. It is then impossible for us to be right with God because we are sinners. He is holy and just, but thank God, He is also merciful and full of grace.

God, knowing full well that we are unable to keep the law provided in Jesus Christ the way to salvation by grace through faith. Our attempts at being right with God by the works of the law either leads us to failure or to self righteousness. Neither of which can save you.

We do not obey the law and for that reason God has shown a different way of being made righteous, and that is by faith in Jesus Christ. He is our atonement for sin. He is the

one who did keep the law perfectly. The Bible says “He made Him who knew no sin to become sin on our behalf in order that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Corinthians 5:21

Would you admit your inability to keep the law and trust Jesus to save you?

_____________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from beautiful, cool San Diego,

Sandy and I are enjoying the wonderful weather and fellowship in SD. Yesterday we had lunch with friends on the bay. Headed to some of our favorite places today. We also met up with Dale Phillips. Dale was an associate pastor at Southview Baptist Church while we were in Nebraska. He is great. What a God-thing to run into him in SD, CA.

We celebrated John's birthday Sunday evening. Great family time.

Sunday night I preached at First Baptist Church of Tempe. A wonderful congregation. Really great to share my Job Story. My assigned scripture was Job 40:1-5. Check it out. I especially enjoy it in the New Living Translation.

This coming Sunday I will be preaching at FBC of

Claremont in San Diego. We will return to the heat of AZ on Labor Day. YUK!!

God bless you all. ~ DGW