#Luke8 - Brought to you by John Deere

Click here to read Luke 8:

1. What stood out to me from this chapter?

Sorry if you swear by another major dealer. Although Jesus probably wasn't promoting any one future farm equipment brand over another, Jesus did use farming quite a bit to teach about the kingdom of God. Although the herd of pigs was more an unfortunate side effect of the miracle, between that and sewing seeds this chapter sure feels a lot like the Midwest. One of the neat things about the parable of the sower is that Jesus explains it. We don't see that with too many of the parables. Jesus explains how when the word of God is shared, there are different reactions depending largely on the heart conditions of the recipients. If we don't allow the word of God to sink in and transform us, there's a danger that any so-called change might just be temporary and shallow. This is another great heart-check passage. Is my heart "fertile soil" to receive God's word.

2. How does this relate to any other Scripture I know?

There are a lot of connections, but since I started talking about farming, I thought of how Jesus compared the kingdom of God to farming in other places. In Matthew 13, another account of the Parable of the Sower, Jesus also tells the parable of the Weeds, which he also explained later in the chapter. In it he describes the end of the world as a harvest, and the angels as harvesters. Earlier in Matthew, Jesus tells the disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few."

3. What does this mean for my life?

I already mentioned the heart-check question about being fertile soil to receive God's word, but there was another interesting dichotomy in this chapter that really grabbed my attention. After the storm was calmed by Jesus, his words to them were, "Where is your faith?" Those were the 12 who were with him day in and day out. They doubted and were afraid. But to the woman who was healed by Jesus, he said, "Daughter, your faith has healed you." Sadly, I would say that most of the time I feel more like the disciples, with faith to follow Jesus through anything, but still doubting certain things along the way. How I long for God to grow my faith to be like the bleeding woman to just come to him for everything in faith.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

This chapter reveals some crazy insights into demons and their interaction with Jesus. Mostly it just brings up questions in my mind. How does one get possessed by demons? Why don't we see it that much anymore, at least in our country? When the pigs died, where did the demons go? What is the Abyss and why didn't the demons want to go there?

Those are my thoughts for this chapter. I'd love to hear yours. God's blessings to you and KEEP DIGGING IN!

In Christ,
Dan

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#Luke7 - A Daunting Debt

Click here to read Luke 7:

1. What stood out to me from this chapter?

One of the things I noticed about this chapter is that it is bookended by two instances where Jesus commends and rewards people for their faith. To the centurion who recognized Jesus authority on earth, Jesus said that he hadn't seen anyone in all of Israel with such great faith! That is a bold, and probably a little offensive, statement. At the end of the chapter is this story where Jesus is dining at a Pharisee's house and a "sinful" woman comes up and anoints him. Jesus points out that it is her faith that has saved her. But just prior to that statement, Jesus teaches the Pharisee about the power and depth of forgiveness by sharing a brief parable describing a large and small debt. Both can be forgiven, but the one who is forgiven more will likely be more grateful and likely to pay it forward and express their thanks in worship. One of my spiritual breakthroughs was when God revealed to me that my debt of sin was much too large to ever think about repaying on my own. It really did create an attitude of gratitude and service. No matter what my testimony is, or how far astray I have gone, the debt accrued by our sin can only be fully paid by Jesus' death and resurrection!

2. How does this relate to any other Scripture I know?

Well, raising people from the dead wasn't an everyday occurrence. It happened with a prophet or two back in the day, but until Jesus came around it was quite out of the ordinary. There are two other instances of Jesus raising others from the dead. Lazarus in John 11, and Mark 5:21-43. All of them are fun to compare.

3. What does this mean for my life?

Hearing the centurion describe his own authority and then comparing it to Jesus was a great reminder to me that Jesus has all authority in heaven and earth (Matthew 28:18). I should not doubt that he is able to do anything. Nor should I doubt that he wants to hear us ask for things. Jesus CAN do it! I need to remember that.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

I thought John the Baptist knew that Jesus was the Messiah for a long time. For one, he leaped in his mother's womb when Jesus (in utero) came by. Besides that, he was the one who baptized Jesus and saw the whole heavens being opened things. My question is, why did John feel like he had to ask if Jesus was the one?

Those are my thoughts for this chapter. I'd love to hear yours. God's blessings to you and KEEP DIGGING IN!

In Christ,
Dan

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#Mark7 - No Germ-X for Jesus

Click here to read Mark 7:

1. What stood out to me from this chapter?

In today's American culture where everything has to be super-sanitized and squeaky clean, many people might look at the Pharisee's objection as very appropriate. After all, we probably should wash before eating, and who wouldn't wash their dishes before using them. But this isn't really what Jesus was talking about. You see, the Pharisees weren't really concerned with the spread of germs as they were about making rules as to who was "in" and who was "out" of God's favor. It was almost a sort of competition as to who could add the most rules to God's command and keep them. In this "game" they played, it was worth bonus points if you could find fault in others to keep them out of arms reach of you in your quest for self-righteousness. Declaring someone unclean was the equivalent of saying, "You are out of God's favor until you play by our rules." While Jesus didn't neglect the commands of God, he did speak out strongly against this "game" the Pharisees and teachers of the law were into playing. He made it very clear that abstaining form certain kinds of food and ceremonial washings was not what made a person righteous. Rather, it was a heart turned towards God and set on doing his will that made a person "clean."

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

I started this chapter-a-day journey by reading the book of Acts. In chapter 10, Peter receives a vision from God who reassured him that it was okay to eat certain foods that the Jewish people had traditionally declared "off-limits." In fact, in this vision the voice specifically clarified that we should not call anything impure that God has made clean. In Mark 7 here, we also see clarification that Jesus is specifically declaring all foods to be "clean" (that is, they are not "off-limits" from a religious standpoint).

3. What does this mean for my life?

I know this story of the Syrophoenician woman appears in the other gospels with even a little more dialogue recorded, but what struck me about reading this is that even though she could have dismissed her own request as insignificant, she asked nonetheless. She could have written herself off as secondarily important (as Jesus sarcastically replies). She could have said, "There are other more pressing things Jesus has to do; I shouldn't bother him." But she didn't. She had faith that Jesus could and would bring healing. I have often held back prayers and requests for myself or others because I didn't feel like I was worthy, or the requests weren't worthy of God's attention. I need to have faith to trust that God cares about every aspect of his children's lives, and be bold about asking in prayer.

4. What questions do I have about this chapter?

Spit? on someone's tongue? Why? I also love that Jesus told people not to spread the news of his healings, but "the more he did so, the more they kept talking about it." Why did he say that, and why didn't they listen? I think I know the answer to both of those questions, but kind of just wonder any way.

Those are my thoughts. I'd love to hear yours. Keep digging in.

In Christ,
Dan

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#Matthew14 #Matthew 15 - No Rest for the Righteous

Click here to read Matthew 14-15:

1. What stood out to me from this chapter?

I've known about the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand people for as long as I can remember. The story would often come up in sermons or Sunday school lessons. But after reading the chapter today, the surrounding events make this story even more remarkable. Just before this event, Jesus learns that his cousin, his prophetic forerunner, John the Baptist has been beheaded. On learning this, Jesus just wants to get away and have some time away from the crowds, so he goes with his disciples out on a boat. But the crowds follow him and are gathered in large number when they land. When Jesus saw the crowd he could have yelled something like, "Can't a guy just have one moment of peace? Seriously!" Or he could have just quietly said to his disciples, "Oh shoot, the people followed me here. Quick let's turn around and go somewhere else." That's probably what I would have done. But Jesus had compassion on them, and he healed their sick. Then when the time came he fed them. There is no break in following God, no retiring from doing God's work in the world, no rest from the pursuit of righteousness.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

In this passage, Jesus boldly teaches the Pharisees that what you eat does not make you unclean. He basically says, being "unclean" in God's eyes has nothing to do with washing, or what you eat. It has everything to do with the sinful nature and actions of a person. This reminds me of the story in chapter 10 of Acts, which was the first book I started blogging about, where Peter is called to visit a Gentile. He receives a vision where God shows him all the animals that had previously been labeled as unclean. Then God tells him to kill and eat. Those were some of the ritualistic laws in the old testament that had been fulfilled by Christ and therefore cancelled on the cross.

3. What does this mean for my life?

While the choice to read two chapters was simply in order to make up for my missing yesterday due to a crazy schedule (it happens), it was interesting that these two chapters contained two different stories of Jesus feeding large crowds. What caught me though was not that he did essentially the same miracle twice, nor was it the difference in the numbers of loaves and fish and people. What caught my attention was when Jesus faced hungry crowds for the second time (who knows how much time passed in between, but only one chapter) the disciples asked him, "Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?" I wanted to slap the disciples and say to them, "Duh! Are you that dull? (which Jesus also says to them in this chapter) Do you not remember that Jesus just got done feeding a larger crowd with less food? Don't you know he can provide what you need?" And as soon as the thought entered my mind, I realize that I am just as dull (if not more) than they were. I often wonder how God will provide in each situation. Whether it's personal finances, ministry finances, staff or volunteers, I often begin to question God just like the disciples. But he has never failed to be faithful to his promises. Lord, help me trust you every step of the way.

4. What questions do I have about this chapter?

In the encounter between Jesus and the Canaanite woman, Jesus says, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel." It's clear the disciples don't want to waste their time with her. But the comments Jesus makes almost seem like he is trying to make a point. Like he is either testing or displaying her depth of faith. My question is simply, "Why did Jesus wait to answer her request for healing? Why did he answer the way he did?"

Well, we're back on track with reading. :) Keep digging in. I welcome any other comments from either of these two chapters.

In Christ,
Dan

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#Matthew8 - Touched by Jesus

Click here to read Matthew 8:

1. What stood out to me from this chapter?

In the first story of healing, Jesus not only proclaimed healing for the person with leprosy, he TOUCHED him. Now, a lot of people use that in a deep emotional sense of the word, "That message really touched me." I think we say that because there is something incredibly powerful about safe, healthy, loving physical touch. Someone with leprosy would have been used to people shunning them and walking to the other side of the street. As a result, they would likely not have experienced any sort of physical touch since they contracted the disease. This touch of Jesus not only brought physical healing, but I believe it meant so much emotionally as well.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

After Jesus heals the Centurion, he reveals that like the Centurion who had put his faith in Jesus, many who were outside of the Jewish heritage would also receive salvation through faith in Christ. And some who were Jewish would be rejected by God because of their rejection of Jesus. This reminds me of a parable Jesus told of the wedding banquet in Matthew 22. The king invites people to a wedding banquet, but the guests don't who up. The king then invites everyone who is out on the streets to come in.

3. So what does this mean for my life?

As I read this chapter, I couldn't help but put myself in the position of the townspeople whose pigs Jesus had just driven off a cliff. At first I think, "Who cares about the pigs? Look at what he did for the demon possessed men." But then I think there may have been times in my life where I wanted to take a step back from God, because he revealed himself in a way that made me uncomfortable. Maybe he asked "too much" of me. Whatever it is, I need to let God be God and follow Jesus wherever he leads.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

In verses 18-22, some people want to follow Jesus, but Jesus dismisses them with some comments. Why did Jesus dismiss them? They didn't seem like unreasonable statements or requests. One person simply declared a desire to follow Jesus wherever, but maybe Jesus knew that he would not be able to follow through on that declaration. Another wanted to bury his father, but I guess we don't really know what that situation was. Maybe his father wasn't even dead yet, and he was saying in effect, "As soon as my father passes away I'll join you." I just wonder what the circumstances were that would cause Jesus to answer in the way that he did.

Have a splendid day.

In Christ,
Dan

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#Ephesians 1 - Deja Vu All Over Again

Ephesians 1:

1. What stood out to me from this chapter?

This famous quote by the great baseball player Yogi Berra seems like the appropriate title for this blog. Have you ever been to two church services in the same weekend, and heard the pastor preach the same sermon twice? Or have you ever worked at a camp where someone has given the same message or share to a different group or audience? Have you ever re-read a book because a new group you're in wants to do a book study that you've already done, or you just want to remember it better before the movie comes out? That's how I felt when I started reading Ephesians. I know I've read it all the way through, but that was awhile ago. I'm talking about having just finished Galatians, I feel like I'm hearing some very similar thoughts. But they are worded a little differently, have a slightly different tone, and shed a little new insight into the same concepts (if I'm willing to pay attention and listen.) One of the main ideas that was repeated from Galatians is the idea of adoption into God's family and becoming heirs of the kingdom. Also, a very clear message from the beginning of Ephesians is that this promise of eternal life is by faith in Christ: "the first to put our hope in Christ" (v. 12), "When you believed you were marked..." (v.13), "your faith in the Lord Jesus" (v.15), "great power for us who believe" (v.19). This also is very reminiscent of Galatians...and Romans...and Acts...and the rest of Scripture. It's almost like it's a big deal. :)

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

Besides the connections I just made to the previous books we went through, I really was struck by Paul's personal commitment to praying and giving thanks. This reminded me of 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. "Be joyful always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Paul really practiced what he preached.

3. So what does this mean for my life?

In verses 17-18, Paul is praying a very heartfelt prayer that his "spiritual children" would grow up to know God more. I am first of all convicted to pray this same thing for my children continually. I am probably even more convicted to pray that for myself. As a teacher of the Bible, as a parent, as a ministry leader, it's really easy to just teach out of what you've learned and be content with that for a long time. But I really need to keep growing, keep seeking, keep opening my heart to what God has for me, and keep trusting in His power to sustain me.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

Because this passage contains some of the strongest "predestination language" in the Bible, I want to ask the following question. I understand that someone who is adopted does not "choose" their adopted family without the family first initiating, but as I read Scripture it seems like EVERYONE has the opportunity to repent and turn to faith in Jesus Christ and receive eternal life. So here is my question: "What, if any, are the problems with the following statement? God chooses those who respond to the gospel by faith in Jesus." See also some similar questions from my blog on Romans 9.

That's Ephesians 1. We're gonna go through Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians by Christmas Eve! Join me for Paul's sermons through Christmas. :)

In Christ,
Dan

#Galatians2 - Gospel Explained

Galatians 2: 

1. What stood out to me from this chapter?

After reading chapter 1, I was left with the question of if/how Paul would actually explain the gospel message to the Galatians in this book. Chapter 2 gives a direct answer to my question, especially the second half of the chapter (verses 11-21). Paul is citing an instance when Peter started behaving as though salvation and justification was through works. But Paul clearly states in verses 15-16 that people are "not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we too have put our faith in Christ Jesus...because by the works of the law, no one will be justified." In "normal people language" that seems to say to me that nobody will ever earn their way to righteousness, or eternal life, or heaven. Rather we gain entrance to eternal life in Christ by putting our faith in what he did.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

This passage in Galatians is very similar to verses that I hear quoted more often from Ephesians 2:8-9. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast." In fact, Galatians 2:20-21 also remind me of Ephesians 2: 1-4 about being dead in our sins and being alive in Christ. Romans 6:3-4 has almost the identical language and thought process as well. It seems that Paul really wanted to get this through to all the churches. It must be a big deal. :)

3. So what does this mean for my life?

I was personally caught off guard by verses 20-21. I am adamant that we are saved by grace through faith, as the earlier verses state clearly. But I often forget that we are supposed to LIVE by faith as well. Sometimes I think, "I'm saved by faith in Christ, but now I've got to measure up, to earn God's favor and his approval." While it is good to seek God's praise over human praise, sometimes this thought process can lead to a longing for God's validation to come because of our works. Here's what this chapter reminded me of: God's validation of us is just as much a gift as his salvation to us. He loved us before we ever started living for him. He thought we were worth dying for when we were still sinners. To live by faith truly is to trust that God has already given us his love, our value, and his approval. Our life then flows out of that confidence.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

When Paul used the phrase "sinful Gentiles," what was his tone? I sort of read that as if he would have put quotations around that in a very sarcastic sense, as if we weren't "sinful" as well. Also, what was his tone toward Peter, James, and John in this letter. It almost seems as if Paul is being a little sarcastic in the first part of the chapter too. Like when he says, "as for those who were held in high esteem - whatever they were makes no difference to me..." it almost seems as if he's saying, "For those so-called 'leaders', yeah right." Maybe I'm reading too much into it.

That's it. In case anyone is paying really close attention, I missed two days, but I will be covering both chapters 3-4 tomorrow and 5-6 on Wednesday to get back on track. God's blessings.

In Christ,
Dan

#Romans11 - Paul's Spiritual Botany Lesson

Romans 11: 

1. What stuck out to you from this chapter?

I am a very visual person. I tend to do well with charts, diagrams, and visual illustration. Paul's use of grafting branches into a tree really helps me understand what God is doing/has done here. Paul has already used language of being adopted as children into God's family, which is already an image that implies our helplessness and God's love. This image of grafting in branches is another one that really reveals how we are powerless to give life to ourselves. Paul also makes it very clear that the ingrafted branches were grafted in because of faith [in Christ], and the branches that God cut off were because of unbelief (although he even says that if they turn back and believe in Christ they will be grafted in again "to their own olive tree."). I especially love Paul's warning to those who are grafted in (namely the Gentiles, which includes anyone who isn't of Jewish descent) not to become arrogant, as if they deserved it. That's a reminder to all of us to be thankful for God's gift of grace.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

One phrase caught my attention that made me think of some other verses. In Romans 11:25, he refers to the gospel message and the inclusion of Gentiles as a mystery. This also occurs in Ephesians 3 and Colossians 1 and 2. Paul talks about the mystery of the gospel that has been kept hidden but is now revealed in Christ. It reminds me that as cliche' and sometimes misused as this saying is, "God often works in mysterious ways."

3. So what does this mean for my life?

For this question, I turn to the end of the chapter - the Doxology. I am very eager to study the Bible, very excited to discuss truth, very enthusiastic about discovering more of God's character and plan for the world. Yet I was convicted tonight that I don't often enough just pause and praise God, regardless of what I understand or don't understand at the moment. I'm glad this chapter and this section came the day before Thanksgiving so I can be reminded to just pause and thank God for all he has done.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

In Paul's conversation about the grafted branches, he says that those branches who are cut off can be grafted back in again. He also says that the grafted in branches can also be cut off again. My question is this: "Is it possible to be 'saved' and then forfeit your salvation? Or is it 'once saved always saved' no matter what?" I tend to think that we don't just keep hopping in and out of salvation because of mistakes or doubts, but I do wonder if someone totally walks away from faith and rejects God and lives in sin if they won't "be cut off again."

Those are my thoughts. Time for bed. I'll need my energy so I can gorge myself tomorrow. Just kidding.

In Christ,
Dan

#Romans10 - Righteousness For Everyone Who Believes

Romans 10: 

1. What stuck out to you from this chapter?

Well, as if to answer my questions from yesterday, Paul gives a clarifying chapter which contains many repetitions of several words: Righteousness, saved, everyone, and believes/faith. Paul starts the chapter clarifying that he desires the Israelites to be saved, but they are missing the one who is able to make them righteous. While he generalizes Israel as a whole group, we know that there are many (but not a majority) who have put their faith in Christ. He states that the Israelites are still holding on to the law as the means to righteousness, as if they could somehow earn salvation. But Paul couldn't be any clearer in this passage. Multiple times he reminds us that God's love and offer of salvation is for EVERYONE, but it is those who believe and accept the good news who actually receive eternal life. "Everyone who believes," "Anyone who believes," "all who call on him," "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord." These are the phrases Paul uses throughout this chapter, and this is what compels him to preach, to teach, to equip, to send, to go.

2. How does this relate to any other Scripture you know?

One of the most well known verses in the Bible (arguably the most quoted), is John 3:16. Coming from a different author quoting Jesus, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish, but have eternal life." That sounds a lot like Paul in this passage, right? Also, in verse 16, Paul states "Not all the Israelites accepted the good news." This isn't some theological philosophical argument. He is speaking from his personal experience. Prior to reading Romans I read the book of Acts. In it we see all kinds of cases where Paul's preaching and miracles turn many to believe in the faith, but still many harden their hearts and reject Paul and the gospel of Jesus.

3. So what does this mean for my life?

The first thing I thought of also happens to be from the first verse of the chapter. Even though Paul had been rejected, resisted, persecuted, ridiculed, and put on trial by the Jews, his heart remain unchanged. His deepest desire was for them to know the deep love of God through faith in Jesus Christ, that they may enter into the new covenant God was putting in place and receive the Holy Spirit to live out the life God has prepared for us. When Jesus said "Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you," I believe this is a big part of it. I've seen it in missionaries who go to places where they may be killed. Their biggest prayer is not safety, but that the people they see would come to know Jesus is a mighty way. That's the heart I want.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

It's not so much the actual passage that I have a question about, but rather a second level question. In the previous chapter Paul says, "Not all Israel is Israel, and not all of God's children are descendants of Abraham." I understand that he is also referring to Gentiles coming to faith in Christ and being adopted as God's children. But what is God's relationship with the nation of Israel (or the Jewish people) now? Is there still a special covenant with Israel, or has that "dissolved" so to speak and been "replaced" with the new covenant for all who believe in Jesus? Do we take on the promises God made to Israel and apply them now to Christians? Or do they still apply to Jews who believe in God, but not Jesus as Messiah? Please don't read anything political into this question. It's a very honest question about the Bible that stems from this and the previous chapter.

In Christ,
Dan

#Romans4 - Jewish Apologetics

Romans 4: 

1. What stuck out to you from this passage?

Paul strikes some really key, basic Jewish understandings here and uses them to promote the gospel of Jesus. Two of the most fundamental Jewish bases for their faith are circumcision and the law of Moses. To understand this chapter, you need to know a couple things about these two pillars of the Jewish religion. God made a covenant with Abraham that all of his male descendants should be circumcised (yes, it still has the same meaning as it did then) when they were 8 days old. This would be a sign that they belonged to God, that they were holy (which means "set apart"). So it was a big deal, and rightly so because God commanded it. About 400-500 years later, after the Israelites are freed from slavery in Egypt, God gave the Ten Commandments (and a whole bunch of other commandments, collectively called "The Law") to the Israelites to show them how to live. This was also a very big deal, and rightly so.

So Paul's argument here is brilliant, and it's right there in the Bible and in the Jewish Scripture as well. Paul is saying that God declared Abraham righteous because Abraham believed God (See Genesis 15). But that was even before the covenant of circumcision, and way before the covenant of the Law of Moses. Paul is basically saying (and I paraphrase), "Neither circumcision nor the Law was ever God's way of making people righteous. Rather from the very beginning until now, God has always counted people righteous because of their faith. Then it was faith in God, now it is faith in Jesus Christ that justifies a person. BAM! That is rock-solid Jewish apologetics. Sorry I kind of geek out about it. I'm weird, I know.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

Colossians 2:9-14 also talks about circumcision, but in a way that also shares how it's not the circumcision done by people that matters. Instead it compares circumcision to baptism, in the cutting off the sinful deeds of the flesh, dying to ourselves and being raised in Christ. Galatians 6:15 says, "Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation."

3. What does this mean for my life?

If I were to transpose this chapter into modern day Christian culture, it might be comparable to baptism, or confirmation, or some other Christian ritual that IS important, but not a means by which we are made righteous. I need to remember not to place my assurance of salvation in any of my rituals or traditions or religious behaviors, but only in the work and person of Jesus Christ who died and rose to give eternal life graciously to all who believe.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

The language of "boasting" appears a lot in these chapters in Romans and other places in Paul's writing. What really was the "boasting" that he was trying to address? Was it a common practice among the teachers? Apostles? Everyone? What was the point?

Glad to have anyone join me in the conversation.

In Christ,
Dan

#Romans3 - Best Gospel Explanation

Romans 3: 

1. What stuck out to you from this chapter?

In my opinion, verses 19-26 hold one of the most concise, clear, compelling explanation of God's plan of salvation, the gospel of Jesus Christ. It begins with knowing that we will all be held accountable to God someday, and that we will all be found guilty. In fact, verse 20 says that the law actually guides us to realize our sinfulness. This passage basically says there are two ways to be found righteous - 1. By being perfect according to the law (which nobody except Jesus is able to do), and 2. By putting our faith in Jesus Christ and believing in him. It declares redemption and atonement through Christ, to be received by faith. It describes God as a just judge, and as the merciful provider for our penalty through Christ. I think this is a passage every Christian should read thoroughly to understand that we are not justified by works, that we are never found righteous through doing enough good things, that we will never earn our way to heaven. Rather we are forgiven of our sins and given eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ, no matter what our background is.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

Ephesians 2 has another similar explanation of the gospel, clarifying that "it is by grace you have been saved, through faith...not by works, so that no one can boast." Galatians 2 also contains a passage very similar, especially in emphasizing that Jews and Gentiles are both justified by faith in Jesus Christ.

3. So what does this mean for my life?

Passages like this don't necessary have direct action applications, but sometimes the application of Scripture is not just in right "doing" but in right "thinking." For me, this passage really has been instrumental in helping me to understand the basic gospel message. It has also been very helpful to share that message with others using Biblical truth rather than just my own "analogies". If ever there was a passage to memorize, this would be right up there in my book. It is so central to our own faith, as well as being a powerful truth to equip us in sharing our faith with others.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

The first 8 verses are a little confusing. I think Paul is basically saying that the fact that our sin makes God's holiness even more obvious isn't an excuse to keep on sinning. My question is, "Is that a fair summarization? Am I missing something?"

In Christ,
Dan