Case Dismissed

Case Dismissed

THEOLOGICAL THEMES: JUSTIFICATION, ASSURANCE OF SALVATION.

Chapter 8:1-2

1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2 (NKJV)

“The Law: What would our world be like if we had no laws? No rules or regulations no code of conduct or standards for living right. There would be no standards of right or wrong, man could just make it up as he goes, what was considered wrong one day could be deemed right the next. Could a society function without at least some standard of accountability ?

The sad truth is that we in fact, live in a pluralistic society. Where there are no absolutes all is considered relative. The worldview says “there are no absolute truths. Truth is how you see it”, especially when it comes to religion. The world says, “God is whom ever you believe He is”, and the fool says, “there is no God”.

It is true that here in America we enjoy freedom of religion. Nevertheless, we know, there is but one God who created all there is, and is in control of all there is. Moreover, it is God who sets the standards of conduct and, morality. God has set in place His Law to govern His people, and we are bound to obey these laws. If we do not obey, there are consequences. Without laws our world would fall into chaos.

Law; is defined as a rule of action. The Law of Nature is the will of God as to human conduct. This law binds all men at all times. It is generally designated by the term conscience, or the capacity of being influenced by the moral relations of things. ”Laws are not meant to be broken they are to be obeyed”. Everyone is guilty of being a lawbreaker. (Example), Read Romans3:10-12.

All Have Sinned;

10 As it is written: "There is none righteous, no, not one;

11 There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God.

12 They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one."

Romans 3:10-12 (NKJV)

Paul is referring to Psalm 14:1-3. “No one is good” means “no one is innocent.” Every person has value in God’s eyes because God created us in His image, and He loves us. Nevertheless, no one is good enough (that is, no one can earn right standing with God). Though valuable, we have fallen into sin. But God, through Jesus His Son, has redeemed us and offers to forgive us if we turn to Him in faith.

ROMANS 3:10-18

Paul uses these Old Testament references to show that humanity in general, in its present sinful condition, is unacceptable before God. Have you ever thought to yourself, “Well, I’m not too bad. I’m a pretty good person”? I would ask that person have you ever lied? Have you ever hurt someone’s feelings by your words or tone of voice? Are you bitter toward anyone? Do you become angry with those who strongly disagree with you? In thought, words, and deeds, you, like everyone else in the world, stand guilty before God. We must remember who we are in His sight—alienated sinners. Don’t deny that you are a sinner. Instead, allow your desperate situation to point you toward Christ.

How do we achieve right standing before God?

God’s Righteousness Through Faith

21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,

22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference;

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

24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed,

26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

Romans 3:21-26 (NKJV)

Justification

3:28. Justification is the act of God whereby our legal standing in heaven is changed and we are declared righteous. The verb justify and the adjective righteous are linked in Scripture, since both share a common Greek root. When we express saving faith in God, He adds righteousness and perfection to our record. God is the source, with the power to declare righteous, and man is the recipient, being declared righteous. Illustration: Abraham is the first person the Bible describes as being justified. This does not mean he was the first child of God, only that his is the first recorded case of justification. With Abraham, as with others later, justification was the result of saving faith (Gen. 15:6; Rom. 5:1). Application: Anyone who comes to God and trusts Christ for salvation will be justified. (First Reference, Gen. 15:6; Primary Reference, Rom. 3:28; cf. Eph. 3:2–8.)