Romans 2:1-11 NIV
[1] You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. [2] Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. [3] So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? [4] Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? [5] But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. [6] God “will repay each person according to what they have done.” [7] To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. [8] But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. [9] There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; [10] but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. [11] For God does not show favoritism.
How easy it is for one group of people to set themselves above another.
It has been occurring throughout history and is still prevalent today.
These words were specifically for those who thought they were right with God due to their lineage and their religion.
Romans 3:20 NIV
[20] Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.
It’s apparent that none are right with God.
There is only one way to be right with God.
Romans 3:22-26 NIV
[22] This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, [23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, [24] and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. [25] God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— [26] he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
Therefore, let no one place themselves as better or more valuable than another.
Rather, let us humble our hearts before Jesus Christ and be thankful for His righteousness which He freely gives.
“and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:24
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for showing us through the scriptures that none has ever achieved their own salvation, for it is through Your sacrifice alone. Lord, please continue to help each of us who are called by Your name to humble ourselves before You and remain humble before one another, not exalting others or oneself above any. Lord, please keep us aware of the tendency to wander into these errors which pollute relationships and twist the truth. Lord, You died for all and we must not forget that. Lord, please help us to walk with integrity valuing others without wavering in truth nor being blind to sin. For true love paid the price to do away with sin, not to allow it. Lord, thank You for paying such a high price to save me. May my life reflect Your glorious name, Jesus. Amen.
patientlyhopeful 