Tag: no distinction
There is no distinction
Scripture reading for June 17: Romans 3
“Now we know that whatever the Law says it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. For by works of the law no human being will be justified in His sight, since through the Law comes the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the Law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it–the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. For there is no distinction, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by His grace as a gift through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ, . .” Romans 3:19-24
Just as God is not partial, He shows no distinction between Jew or Gentile. The reason for this is that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God’s perfect holiness. The Jews have broken God’s law by disobedience. They had the Law and Prophets as their guide. Their sin was revealed by God’s Law, but not removed or fixed because a mirror has no power to change the reflection. The Greeks had the Law written on the tablets of their heart but they failed to obey God’s inner witness of the conscience. (Romans 2:15-16) They had blocked out their conscience and hardened their hearts. There is no distinction between the two as all have sinned and are under God’s judgment.
But God Himself provided a plan for all men, Jew or Greek, to be justified before Him. It was and is by repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Whoever would come to God through faith in Christ’s sacrifice of His blood and life would be saved. This would cleanse their soul of unrighteousness and bring God’s Gift of His perfect righteousness through His Son Jesus Christ. God would give this gift without distinction to Jew and Gentile, slave or free, man or woman!
Have you ever felt that Jews or certain ‘religious’ people had an advantage over you in obtaining God’s favor? Have you faced the fact that you are a sinner who has to answer before God? Have you humbly acknowledged your sins and asked for the gift of grace and righteousness through Jesus Christ?
Prayer: Father God, I admit that I have sinned and fallen short of Your perfect holiness. I cast myself on Your Son Jesus Christ and ask for mercy and forgiveness. I receive by faith Christ Jesus as Lord of my life and my only hope of Your eternal glory. Thank You for showing no partiality or distinction. Amen.
Saved by grace alone!
Scripture reading for May 4th: 1st Samuel 21-22, 1st Chronicles 5, Psalm 52, Acts 15
Acts 15: 7-11 “And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the Word of the Gospel and believe. And God, Who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as He did to us, and He made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith. Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.””
Old religious habits and rituals die hard. The Jewish believers had a hard time with Gentiles now being saved. Some of them insisted that the Gentiles become circumcised. This matter was discussed in a meeting of the Apostles and church leaders in Jerusalem. Peter had listened to the testimonies of Paul and Barnabas and the arguments of those advocating circumcision. He stood up and spoke from his experience with God directing him to go to Cornelius’ home and preach the Gospel. The Holy Spirit was poured out even as he spoke. God made no distinction between Jew or Gentile, but He had saved all who believed through the grace of the Lord Jesus! Amen! God grants equal opportunity to all through grace.
Psalm 52:8-9 “But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever. I will thank You forever because You have done it. I will wait for Your Name, for It is good, in the presence of the godly.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your simple Gospel message of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, Your Son! Help me to keep it simple and straight-forward. Alert me to any attempt by men or religion to add tradition or works as a condition. I trust in Your steadfast love demonstrated in Jesus Christ’s shed blood to keep me safe forever and ever!
1st Samuel 22:5, 23 “Then the prophet Gad said to David, “Do not remain in the stronghold; depart, and go into the land of Judah.” So David departed and went into the forest of Hereth.”.. . . “Stay with me; do not be afraid, for he who seeks my life seeks your life. With me you shall be in safekeeping.”