Often parents create rules for their children to teach valuable lessons. Thus, my parents enforced strict rules and expectations for us. Since we were raised with spankings as a consequence, we did not disobey very often. Today, rules can entice disobedience. When we watch movies or a series, characters often disobey the rules.
Are rules necessary if they can lead to disobedience?
In Romans 3, Paul begins questioning what advantage does a Jew have or is there value in a circumcision. Even though God entrusted the Jews with His Word and they failed to obey, does this conflict with God’s faithfulness? Culturally, people closely identified themselves as Jews or Gentiles.
In Romans 3:5-8, Paul asks if God is unrighteous to inflict wrath on man who is unrighteous. Is it fair for God to judge the world? If our sin shows God’s righteousness, then why should we be condemned as a sinner?
In Romans 3:9, Paul concludes that the Jews are not better off even though God gave them His Law initially. Jews and Greeks are all under sin. In verses 9 to 18, Paul mention there is none righteous. Everyone does not understand or seeks God. All mankind are not perfect and our words can deceive and curse. Also, man does evil and can shed the blood of others. Lastly, man does not have peace and does not fear God.
Why did God give the Jews the Law or the 10 commandments?
For by works of the law no human being[c] will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. Romans 3:20
Therefore, God gave the Law to all mankind to show us we cannot live up to these rules. Hence we acquire knowledge of sin by our failure to obey. No matter how hard we try, we will fail to be righteous since it is easier to sin and disobey.
Moreover, God’s righteousness is seen apart from the law. When Christ lived on Earth, He showed God’s righteousness in His life. He also provided God’s righteousness to all who believe and put their faith in Jesus Christ.
Then, Christ provided man redemption as a gift to be accepted. This redemption is possible with Christ’s propitiation by His blood to be received by faith. Thus, Christ’s blood allows God to pass over our sins. Additionally, God shows His righteousness in His gift of salvation by giving us redemption through Christ.
Lastly we are justified by faith apart from the works of the law. No one can abide by the law. We all will fail since we are sinners. Also God is not just the God of the Jews but also the God of the Gentiles. We can still uphold the law. Even when we fail in following the law, God allows us to be justified by our faith in Christ.
What do we learn from the 10 commandments or the Law –
- All people fail and sin – No distinction of people for Jews and Gentiles
- God is faithful even though man is not
- None is righteous – No one understands or seeks God
- The Law shows our failure and gives us the knowledge of our sins
- The Law shows the righteousness of God
- Grace is God’s gift to be justified without our sin
- Christ is our propitiation by his blood when we receive Him in faith
- We uphold the Law to see our failings and to act in faith
Frankly, we all get tired of rules. Sometimes, we choose to ignore certain rules.
Why do we need rules? To show our failure to obey rules even though the rules may be good for us. For example, it is a fact too many sweets and sugary foods are not good for health. How many of us are disciplined to stop eating desserts and candy? I need to eat a little bit of chocolate every day.
God gave us the Law or rules knowing we would break the rules.
Then God gave us His Righteousness and Redemption with Christ as the propitiation for our sins (shedding His blood to appease God’s wrath of man’s sin), and we are justified by faith.
Instead of identifying as a Jew or a Gentile, recognize our identity is in Christ when we are justified by faith.
Contemplate belonging to the Body of Christ and recognize the blessings and benefits!
blessings4ever 