Today’s devotion comes from Romans 5:12-17.
 
“12  Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned—
 
13  for until the Law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
 
14  Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the offense of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come.
                                

15  But the free gift is not like the transgression.  For if by the transgression of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many.

16  The gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned;  for on the one hand the judgment arose from one transgression resulting in condemnation, but on the other hand the free gift arose from many transgressions resulting in justification.

17  For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.”  Romans 5:12-17. 

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“But the Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.”  Galatians 3:22. 

“For God has shut up all in disobedience so that He may show mercy to all.

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!  How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!   For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, OR WHO BECAME HIS COUNSELOR?   Or WHO HAS FIRST GIVEN TO HIM THAT IT MIGHT BE PAID BACK TO HIM AGAIN?  For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.  To Him be the glory forever. Amen.”  Romans 11:32-36. 

We may not be able to fully understand why it was necessary for Adam’s sin to enter the world and for that sin and consequential death to spread to all men.  We may not be able to fully understand why it was necessary as stated above, for all to be shut up in sin, so that God may show mercy to all.  But, we can bow down to the unfathomable wisdom of God.  We can give thanks and praise God for “the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness”.  We can “reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ”. 

We can believe in God “who works all things after the counsel of His will”.  We can “hope in Christ” eagerly seeking that “view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth” (as stated below),     

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him.

In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us.

In all wisdom and insight He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. 

In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory.”  Ephesians 1:3-12.

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | July 19, 2011

Reconciliation

Today’s devotion comes from Romans 5:9-11.
 
“9  Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.
 
10  For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.
 
11  And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.”  Romans 5:9-11. 
 
——————————-
 
Reconcile means “to restore to friendship or harmony”.  Click here: Reconcile – Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary
 
We were enemies of God, hostile to God, and subject to God’s wrath.  But, through Christ’s blood, we are now reconciled to God, and we are now children of God at peace with God and blessed by God’s grace. 
 
It would be good enough to be at peace with God and blessed by God’s grace.  But, the benefits of reconciliation accomplished by God through our Lord Jesus Christ are so great that we actually exult (“leap for joy” – Merriam-Webster Dictionary above) in God.   
 
“For Thou, O LORD, hast made me glad by what Thou hast done,                                                             
I will sing for joy at the works of Thy hands.”  Psalm 92:4.
 
“Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous ones;
And shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart.”  Psalm 32:11. 
Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | July 18, 2011

Unconditional Election

Today’s devotion comes from Romans 5:6-8.
 
“6  For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.
 
7  For one will hardly die for a righteous man;  though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die.
 
8  But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”  Romans 5:6-8.
 
———————————
 
Christ’s death for us, and thus salvation, is not based on our worthiness to be saved.  We did not do enough works.  We were not holy or virtuous enough.  We were not humble enough.  We were not cute.  We did not even ask to be rescued like a drowning man might wave his hand for help.  We were “the ungodly”.  We were “still helpless”.  We were “yet sinners”.
 
Our condition was “Total Depravity”, the “T” of “TULIP”, described in graphic detail two chapters earlier. 
 
“10  as it is written,   
 
“THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE;
11  THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS,
THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD;
12  ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS;
THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD,
THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE.”
13  “THEIR THROAT IS AN OPEN GRAVE,
WITH THEIR TONGUES THEY KEEP DECEIVING,”
“THE POISON OF ASPS IS UNDER THEIR LIPS”;
14  “WHOSE MOUTH IS FULL OF CURSING AND BITTERNESS”;
15  “THEIR FEET ARE SWIFT TO SHED BLOOD,
16  DESTRUCTION AND MISERY ARE IN THEIR PATHS,
17  AND THE PATH OF PEACE THEY HAVE NOT KNOWN.”
18  “THERE IS NO FEAR OF GOD BEFORE THEIR EYES.”  Romans 3:10-18.
 
There is not one condition that we could hold up to God to motivate Him to elect us for salvation.  Thus, God’s election of us is “Unconditional Election”, the “U” of “TULIP”. 

This understanding of “Unconditional Election” makes us better appreciate His love for us.  “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”  Romans 5:6-8.

This understanding of “Unconditional Election” also gives us courage to face this Monday and each day.  We may not feel holy or virtuous enough.  We may not feel humble enough or that we did not enough works.  But, we believe that God loved us and that Christ died for us. 

Our faith is not based on us;  our faith is based on God.  And so, we go forth this Monday and each day with peace and joy fully trusting God based on the understanding of “Unconditional Election”.  

“For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;  and these whom He predestined, He also called;  and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.

What then shall we say to these things?  If God is for us, who is against us?  He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?  Who will bring a charge against God’s elect?  God is the one who justifies;  who is the one who condemns?  Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.”  Romans 8:29-24.

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | July 17, 2011

Results of Justification by Faith in Jesus Christ

Today’s devotion comes from Romans 5:1-5.

“1  Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

2  through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand;  and we exult in hope of the glory of God.

3  And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;

4  and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;

5  and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”  Romans 5:1-5.

———————-

We can not fully appreciate what it means that “we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,”, without understanding in contrast the wrath of God against the wicked which means all those without God’s Son Jesus Christ.  “Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.”  Ephesians 2:3.

“4  For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness;
No evil dwells with You.
5  The boastful shall not stand before Your eyes;
You hate all who do iniquity.
6  You destroy those who speak falsehood;
The LORD abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit.”  Psalm 5:4-6.

Listen to the graphic description of God’s wrath in Isaiah 34:1-3!

“1  Draw near, O nations, to hear; and listen, O peoples!
Let the earth and all it contains hear, and the world and all that springs from it.
2  For the LORD’S indignation is against all the nations,
And His wrath against all their armies;
He has utterly destroyed them,
He has given them over to slaughter.
3 So their slain will be thrown out,
And their corpses will give off their stench,
And the mountains will be drenched with their blood.”  Isaiah 34:1-3.

Take warning!  Show respect and bow down to the Lordship of God’s Son Jesus Christ!

“10  Now therefore, O kings, show discernment;
Take warning, O judges of the earth.
11  Worship the LORD with reverence
And rejoice with trembling.
12  Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way,
For His wrath may soon be kindled.
How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!”  Psalm 2:10-12. 

The Scripture for today contains great hope for those who do take refuge in Christ.  They escape God’s wrath.  They have peace with God.

But, even more than the absence of God’s wrath, the results of the justification by faith in Jesus Christ include “the love of God (which) has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”  It would be good enough if we could just live out our lives at peace without the wrath of God against us, but it is truly amazing and overflowing to receive God’s love and the Holy Spirit, God Himself!  It is almost too good to be true.  

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”  Romans 8:28.  And so, that final part of today’s Scripture makes sense, that God uses our tribulations to bring about perseverance, proven character, and hope.

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | July 15, 2011

The Five Solas

Today’s devotion comes from Romans 4:16-25.

“16  For this reason it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,

17  (as it is written, “A FATHER OF MANY NATIONS HAVE I MADE YOU”) in the presence of Him whom he believed, even God, who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist.

18  In hope against hope he believed, so that he might become a father of many nations according to that which had been spoken, “SO SHALL YOUR DESCENDANTS BE.”

19  Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb;

20  yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God,

21  and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform.

22  Therefore IT WAS ALSO CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.

23  Now not for his sake only was it written that it was credited to him,

24  but for our sake also, to whom it will be credited, as those who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead,

25  He who was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification.”  Romans 4:16-25.

—————————

Reformed Doctrine still calls out the Reformation’s “Five Solas”:  “Scripture Alone”, “Christ Alone”, “Grace Alone”, “Faith Alone”, and “Glory to God Alone”. 

Although the word “alone” does not appear in today’s Scripture, today’s Scripture reminds me of these “Five Solas”.  Although no one portion of Scripture exclusively presents and promotes the “Five Solas”, we can certainly consider and meditate upon these “Five Solas” as we read this Scripture for today.

The primary emphasis of this Scripture for today is faith.  Abraham “with respect to the promise of God, … did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith”.  There was nothing that he could do to earn descendants:  “he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb”.  Here is “Faith Alone”.

“For this reason it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace”.  Here is “Grace Alone”.

Abraham knew it was by “Grace Alone”:  “giving glory to God”.  Here is “Glory to God Alone”. 

“Now not for his sake only was it written that it was credited to him, but for our sake also”.  Here is “Scripture Alone”.

“He who was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification.”  Here is “Christ Alone”.

This devotion presents a very “nutshell” presentation of “The Five Solas”.  A detailed article explaining “The Five Solas” is always available by clicking the tab at the top of my web site.  It was written by Rev. Rodney Kleyn of The Protestant Reformed Churches.

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | July 14, 2011

“the Law brings about wrath”

Today’s devotion comes from Romans 4:9-15.

“9  Is this blessing then on the circumcised, or on the uncircumcised also?  For we say, “FAITH WAS CREDITED TO ABRAHAM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.”

10  How then was it credited?  While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised?  Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised;

11  and he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while uncircumcised, so that he might be the father of all who believe without being circumcised, that righteousness might be credited to them,

12  and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also follow in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham which he had while uncircumcised.

13  For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would be heir of the world was not through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith.
 
14  For if those who are of the Law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise is nullified;
 
15  for the Law brings about wrath, but where there is no law, there also is no violation.”  Romans 4:9-15.
 
—————————
 
We should pause at the phrase:  “the Law brings about wrath”.  Why would we still cling to the Law as our means to obtain righteousness?
 
Scripture makes it clear that righteousness comes through faith and that “by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight” (Romans 3:20).  That teaching alone should makes us seek to live by faith.
 
But, there is this warning in today’s Scripture in addition to that teaching:  “the Law brings about wrath”.  Why would we still cling to the Law as our means to obtain righteousness?
 
“For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse;  for it is written, “CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO DOES NOT ABIDE BY ALL THINGS WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF THE LAW, TO PERFORM THEM.”  Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, “THE RIGHTEOUS MAN SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.”  However, the Law is not of faith;  on the contrary, “HE WHO PRACTICES THEM SHALL LIVE BY THEM.”  Galatians 3:10-12.
 
Now. let us be clear that this Law is not just some obscure Jewish custom or ritual,  Romans 7:7 makes it clear that the Law includes the Ten Commandments.  Thus, we can’t cling to the Ten Commandments as our hope for righteousness and still think that we escape this wrath.
 
“What shall we say then?  Is the Law sin?  May it never be!  On the contrary, I would not have come to know sin except through the Law;  for I would not have known about coveting if the Law had not said, “YOU SHALL NOT COVET.”  But sin, taking opportunity through the commandment, produced in me coveting of every kind; for apart from the Law sin is dead.  I was once alive apart from the Law; but when the commandment came, sin became alive and I died;  and this commandment, which was to result in life, proved to result in death for me;  for sin, taking an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me.”  Romans 7:7-11.
 
Now, we know:  “…  the Law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.”  Romans 7:12.  The problem is the sin within us.  The Law will stay holy and righteous and good, and the Law will not budge and make allowance for our sinful, frail nature.  The Law will only bring about wrath.
 
What hope is there? 
  
The Scripture for today provides a clue:  “… but where there is no law, there also is no violation.”  Romans 4:15.
 
“Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God.  For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Law, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for death.  But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter. ” Romans 7:4-6.

Today’s devotion comes from Romans 4:1-8.

“1  What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found?

2  For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.

3  For what does the Scripture say? “ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.”

4  Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due.

5  But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness,

6  just as David also speaks of the blessing on the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:

7  “BLESSED ARE THOSE WHOSE LAWLESS DEEDS HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN,
AND WHOSE SINS HAVE BEEN COVERED.
 
8  “BLESSED IS THE MAN WHOSE SIN THE LORD WILL NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT.”  Romans 4:1-8.
 
—————————————
 
Justification by faith is a gift:  “being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus;”  Romans 3:24.
 
Justification by faith is a favor:  “Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due.”  Romans 4:4.
 
Justification by faith is an unearned credit:  “But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness,”  Romans 4:5.
 
Justification by faith is a blessing:  “just as David also speaks of the blessing on the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:
“BLESSED ARE THOSE WHOSE LAWLESS DEEDS HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN,
AND WHOSE SINS HAVE BEEN COVERED.
“BLESSED IS THE MAN WHOSE SIN THE LORD WILL NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT.”  Romans 4:6-8.
 
We can focus so much on the faith element of justification by faith that we do not sufficiently appreciate the gift element of justification by faith.  This Scripture’s emphasis and repeated use of these words:  “gift”, “favor”, “credited”, and “blessing” should cause us to focus on God and His amazing grace, rather than focus on us and our faith, as if we could generate such faith by ourselves and thereby boast.
Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | July 12, 2011

The Established Role of the Law for the Elect

Today’s devotion comes from Romans 3:31.

“Do we then nullify the Law through faith?  May it never be!  On the contrary, we establish the Law.”  Romans 3:31.

——————————-

In what sense do “we establish the Law”? 

What does “establish” mean? 

The best definition and meaning to this use of “establish” in today’s Scripture seems to be “to make firm or stable” or “to put on a firm basis”.

Now, what “establish” does not mean is “to make able to do everything”.

The same Paul who wrote the Book of Romans wrote the Book of Galatians about the established role of the Law.  In summary, the Law was never intended to deliver righteousness and life to us.  Rather, the Law was intended to confront us with our sin, our “Total Depravity”, and our absolute need for a Savior.  “Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith.”  Galatians 3:24.

Here is what the context of Galatians 3:19-25 states:  “Why the Law then?  It was added because of transgressions, having been ordained through angels by the agency of a mediator, until the seed would come to whom the promise had been made.  Now a mediator is not for one party only; whereas God is only one.  Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God?  May it never be!  For if a law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law.  But the Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.  But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed.  Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.  For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.”  Galatians 3:19-25.

Here is what The Heidelberg Catechism states about this established role of the Law. 

Question 115.  Why will God then have the ten commandments so strictly preached, since no man in this life can keep them?

Answer.  First, that all our lifetime we may learn more and more to know our sinful nature, and thus become the more earnest in seeking the remission of sin, and righteousness in Christ;  likewise, that we constantly endeavor and pray to God for the grace of the Holy Spirit, that we may become more and more conformable to the image of God, till we arrive at the perfection proposed to us, in a life to come.

In summary, according to the above-stated Heidelberg Catechism, the established role of the Law is to teach us to seek the righteousness of Christ.

Let us think of an analogy.  Someone may be established as our third grade teacher.  The fact of such establishment does not mean that our established third grade teacher is also our fourth grade teacher and our principal.

There are many Scriptures which speak of the limited role of the Law, that we are not under the Law, but rather we should consider ourselves dead to the Law.  There are many Scriptures which warn us to not try to use the Law improperly, such as to try to prove our own self-righteousness.

In the above-stated Galatians 3:25, we read:  “But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.” 

In the very next chapter after today’s Scripture, we read:  “For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would be heir of the world was not through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith.  For if those who are of the Law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise is nullified;  for the Law brings about wrath, but where there is no law, there also is no violation.”  Romans 4:13-15.

Romans 6:14
“For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.”

Galatians 5:18
“But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.”

Romans 7:4
“Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God.”

Galatians 3:10
“For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse;  for it is written, “CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO DOES NOT ABIDE BY ALL THINGS WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF THE LAW, TO PERFORM THEM.”

There are also other uses of the Law.  As one example, for the non-elect and the wicked, the Law is established to hold them justly accountable to God for punishment. 

But, the Scripture for today is talking about faith, faith in Christ, and the established role of the Law for the elect, those who will have faith in Christ.  And, that established role of the Law is to lead the elect to Christ that they may be justified by faith.

Christ is all we need for all wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, redemption, and life.  “But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption,”  1 Corinthians 1:30. 

Christ, by His Spirit, will now lead us, not the Law.  “But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.  Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are:  immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”  Galatians 3:18-23.

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | July 11, 2011

“LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.”

Today’s devotion comes from Romans 3:27-30.

“27  Where then is boasting?  It is excluded.  By what kind of law?  Of works?  No, but by a law of faith.

28  For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law.

29  Or is God the God of Jews only?  Is He not the God of Gentiles also?  Yes, of Gentiles also,

30  since indeed God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith is one.”  Romans 3:27-30.

—————————–

Man has a tendency to boast about his own self-righteousness, that is, his own virtues and ability (wisdom and willpower) to know and obey the Law.  God will not give man reason to boast in himself, only reason to boast in the Lord.  We read in the very first verse of today’s Scripture that “a law of faith” excludes boasting.

There is an amazing amount of Scripture on the topic of boasting.  We read God’s attitude toward man’s boasting in himself in Scripture.  In contrast, we also read God’s attitude toward man boasting in just Him (God).  The amount of these Scriptures helps us better understand the Scripture for today, that God will not give man reason to boast about his own self-righteousness, that is, his own virtues and ability (wisdom and willpower) to know and obey the Law:  “a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law”.  Here are some verses.

1 Samuel 2:3
“Boast no more so very proudly, Do not let arrogance come out of your mouth;  For the LORD is a God of knowledge, And with Him actions are weighed.”

Psalm 5:5
“The boastful shall not stand before Your eyes;  You hate all who do iniquity.”

Psalm 10:3
“For the wicked boasts of his heart’s desire, And the greedy man curses and spurns the LORD.”

Psalm 20:7
“Some boast in chariots and some in horses, But we will boast in the name of the LORD, our God.”

Psalm 34:2
“My soul will make its boast in the LORD;  The humble will hear it and rejoice.”

Psalm 44:8
“In God we have boasted all day long, And we will give thanks to Your name forever.  Selah.”

Psalm 49:6
“Even those who trust in their wealth And boast in the abundance of their riches?”

Psalm 52:1
“… Why do you boast in evil, O mighty man?  The lovingkindness of God endures all day long.”

Psalm 75:4
“I said to the boastful, ‘Do not boast,’ And to the wicked, ‘ Do not lift up the horn;”

Proverbs 25:14
“Like clouds and wind without rain Is a man who boasts of his gifts falsely.”

Proverbs 27:1
“Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth.”

Isaiah 10:15
“Is the axe to boast itself over the one who chops with it?  Is the saw to exalt itself over the one who wields it?  That would be like a club wielding those who lift it, Or like a rod lifting him who is not wood.”

“Thus says the LORD, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches;  but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth;  for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.”  Jeremiah 9:23-24.

Jeremiah 48:30
“I know his fury,” declares the LORD, “But it is futile;  His idle boasts have accomplished nothing.”

“And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil;  full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful;  and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.”  Romans 1:28-32.

Romans 2:23
“You who boast in the Law, through your breaking the Law, do you dishonor God?”

“For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.  For what does the Scripture say? “ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.”  Romans 4:2-3.

Romans 15:17
“Therefore in Christ Jesus I have found reason for boasting in things pertaining to God.”

1 Corinthians 3:21
“So then let no one boast in men.  For all things belong to you,”

1 Corinthians 4:7
“For who regards you as superior?  What do you have that you did not receive?  And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?”

1 Corinthians 5:6
“Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough?”

1 Corinthians 9:16
“For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion;  for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.”

2 Corinthians 10:17
But HE WHO BOASTS IS TO BOAST IN THE LORD.

2 Corinthians 12:9
“And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.”  Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.”

Galatians 5:26
“Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.”

Galatians 6:14
“But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”

“For by grace you have been saved through faith;  and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;  not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”  Ephesians 2:8-9.

2 Timothy 3:2
“For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy,”

James 3:5
“So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!”

James 4:16
“But as it is, you boast in your arrogance;  all such boasting is evil.”

1 John 2:16
“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.”

—————————– 

In conclusion, the following verses in I Corinthians Chapter 1 summarize God’s action toward boasting.  

“For it is written,
   “I WILL DESTROY THE WISDOM OF THE WISE,
AND THE CLEVERNESS OF THE CLEVER I WILL SET ASIDE.”  I Corinthians 1:19.

“For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.”  I Corinthians 1:21.

“For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble;  but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God.  But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.”  I Corinthians 1:26-31.

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | July 10, 2011

“The righteousness of God” is “His righteousness”

Today’s devotion comes from Romans 3:21-26.

“21  But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,

22  even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe;  for there is no distinction;

23  for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

24  being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus;

25  whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith.  This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed;

26  for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.  Romans 3:21-26.

———————————

“The righteousness of God” is the subject of today’s Scripture and this devotion:  “His righteousness”.  We tend to rush into thinking about our righteousness which is the subject of much of the following Scripture in the Books of Romans, and yes, it is credited to us, but let us first meditate on “the righteousness of God”.

First, we read that “the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets”.  Who can list all the righteous acts of God?  But, we can conclude:  “Your righteousness is like the mountains of God;  Your judgments are like a great deep.  O LORD, You preserve man and beast.”  Psalm 36:6.

Our righteousness was certainly not manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets”.  Just the opposite, the preceding Scripture of Romans 3:10-18 details “Total Depravity” of man, and the next two verses conclude:  “Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God;   because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight;  for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.”  The Law and the Prophets manifest the unrighteousness of man. 

Second, “even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe”, reminds of Scripture like Numbers 21:7-9.  “So the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned, because we have spoken against the LORD and you;  intercede with the LORD, that He may remove the serpents from us.” And Moses interceded for the people.  Then the LORD said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a standard;  and it shall come about, that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, he will live.”  And Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on the standard; and it came about, that if a serpent bit any man, when he looked to the bronze serpent, he lived.”

Third, “This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed” reminds us of  Passover such as in Exodus 12:11-13.  “Now you shall eat it in this manner:  with your loins girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it in haste—it is the LORD’S Passover.  For I will go through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments—I am the LORD.  The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live;  and when I see the blood I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.” 

Fourth, “for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus” reminds us of the justice of God.  God did not just overlook or forgive sins without paying the price of that gift of justification;  that would not be just.  The just and very costly price of that gift of justification was the blood of His beloved Son Jesus Christ.

“The righteousness of God” is “His righteousness”.  “Thus says the LORD, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches;  but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth;  for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.”  Jeremiah 9:23-24.

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