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Morning Thoughts |
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Romans 3:31, "Do
we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law." This morning, too many times we become enamored by only one particular reason for doing something. This becomes especially evident when discussing theological matters. Many times, people will find out that someone is doing something for a different reason than they are and wonder why. Once the discovery is made, they say, "Well, if you are not doing it for the reason that I am, what's the point of even doing it?" Whether intentional or not, they are revealing that they think their reason for doing it is the only one that could be worthy. A few years back, I talked with a lady about a certain group we discovered both of us had contributed to financially. When she discovered that I really supported the efforts of that group which motivated my donation, she was amazed and said, "I am contributing for tax benefits." Her amazement was that tax relief did not enter the equation for some who gave financially. Today, many are amazed that eternal ramifications do not enter the equation for the motivation of preaching, good works, and charity to our fellowman. To most, if eternal salvation is not under consideration, what is the point? Let us look at Paul's answer to that. Romans 3 deals with Paul's assertions to the justification that we have both by blood (or grace) and by faith. This discussion will lead him to describe Abraham's case and give Abraham the distinction of being "the father of us all." (Romans 4:16) What Paul is driving at is that Abraham received a token (promise) from God that his seed would bless all nations. Also, Abraham was given a declaration that he believed God and it was counted (reckoned) to him for righteousness. In other words, Abraham is a father to us two-fold (neither of which is based on natural connection): 1. We benefit from the seed of Abraham (Christ) and His finished work, 2. We who are counted faithful and believe God for the things that He has said have Abraham as an example of staggering not at the promise of God. To many today, faith is the vehicle that brings salvation to the sinner, but faith is rather the receiver that tells us about the vehicle that did bring salvation (Jesus Christ the Lord). One might say, "Abraham never saw the manifestation and realization of Jesus and the finished work of the Saviour." Well, let us examine that for a moment. The Saviour tells us that Abraham rejoiced to see His (the Saviour's) day. (John 8) Abraham was glad at the day of the Saviour. What Abraham saw, by faith, was that an offering would be made to God. This offering would be put in the place of those that should have been there, and those that should have been there received the benefits of life from the dead both figuratively and eventually manifestly. (see Genesis 22 and Hebrews 11 parallel) Therefore, when we look to the work of the Saviour that redeemed us, stood as our substitution, and the resurrection from the dead, we have a belief that is counted to us for righteousness as well. Getting back to the text, does this belief, faith, etc., have anything to do with us going to glory? No in no wise! That is not the accomplishment of these things, but rather, it is the knowledge and realization to us here that the accomplishment has been made and accepted by God. Paul declares that our justification by faith speaks to us of the finished work of Christ, but it does not make Christ's work finished. To hear some people talk, the work of Christ does become finished to them until the faith speaks it to them, but our faith speaks of what has already been finished. Therefore, our experience, by faith, varies based on our walk at the time. My own sight of the finished work of Christ varies considerably (to my own shame). My rejoicing in a Saviour's love does not burn brightly at all times and seasons (to my sad regret). But, thanks be unto Him that we have times and seasons that we see Him high and lifted up. Thanks be unto God that we have the earnest here to taste and see that the Lord is indeed gracious unto us. Paul also equally affirms that the teaching of the finished work of Christ does not make void the law. Many today think that preaching has no purpose if it does not save eternally. Does Paul's case make void the concept of preaching? Many think that good works are vain if not to help and aid our eternal glory. Did Paul's argument make void the concept of good works? God forbid; Paul says about both of these and all like charges. Earlier in verses 6-8, Paul indicates that he was charged then with what the household of faith is charged with today. "If Christ has done it all, just do whatever you want. You could even do wickedly knowing that double grace is coming to cover it all up." Forgive me brethren, but my spirit is tired of such damnable statements (as I believe Paul was): "whose damnation is just." (Romans 3:8) It is damnable speaking to say that our walk and life is for nothing if it does not have eternal ramifications. It is blasphemy unto God Almighty to say that His work is insufficient for us. Beloved, Paul's last assertion in the verse is that this very teaching is the only thing that can establish the law through faith. What happens if someone does something because of the eternal ramifications? Well, either they are doing it out of greed or fear. Neither of these is the establishment of Godly principles for living. Neither of these give glory to the One that enabled us to do them. Yet, the motivation of faith out of love is the establishing of the lifestyle that the Saviour declared we ought to live, while His example showed us accordingly. May our exercise of faith increase in abundant manifest fashion. In so doing, we draw nigh unto God to feel the sweet peace that we have with Him. (Romans 5:1) But, we also show the only proper way that we can serve Him, for He is not pleased with fear worship or greed worship. Our position in His house is not for personal gain, glory, or prestige. Our position in His family is not for boasting and vain speaking. Rather, our service to Him and position in Him is due all the praise that we could raise to His holy and matchless name. Certainly, the knowledge that He has saved us gives even more motivation to live Godly in this world, for every time we stumble and come short of the glory of God, we should think, "My Saviour had to put that away. That act or thought of mine had to be atoned for." Such a thought renews the zeal of service that no other motivation could. May our lights shine brightly with faith in triumphant cry, "My heart can on this promise live, can on this promise die!"  In Hope, Bro Philip |