Romans 3:19-20 (NIV) “Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.”
Did you know that if you are not a believer in Christ, with sins forgiven, you are still considered under the Mosaic Law in God’s sight? “Under” it, as in you are expected to abide by it or live according to it. Now those who do not have a relationship with God wouldn’t know this, but that doesn’t change anything. In this case, as with many things in life, ignorance is not excuse. The wonders of God’s creation surround us in abundance, so no one can deny the flicker within them that reveals these things to them in their most private times.
Many times I will look at a verse or portion of scripture in the Amplified Bible, which does just what its’ name implies; it amplifies the verses by providing a variety of words and/or phrases to clarify a verses meaning. Let’s take a look at Romans 3:19-20 to see what it has to offer us.
Romans 3:19-20 (Amplified Bible) “Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that [ the murmurs and excuses of ] every mouth may be hushed and all the world may be held accountable to God. For no person will be justified ( made righteous, acquitted, and judged acceptable ) in His sight by observing the works prescribed by the Law. For [ the real function of ] the Law is to make men recognize and be conscious of sin, [ not mere perception, but an acquaintance with sin which works toward repentance, faith, and holy character ].”
In this translation we see with greater clarity the true purpose of the Mosaic Law (aka, the Ten Commandments). It is to reveal ones sinfulness to them. Let’s face it, if you have a prescribed set of “rules” to follow, it is pretty easy to know if you are following them or not. And make no mistake about it, the Jews for one knew every word of the Mosaic Law by heart. Once the salvation gift was given in the form of Christ’s atoning, substitutionary death on a cross, then the Law became a requirement to all, for if a person didn’t receive the atonement provided by Christ’s blood, then who or what would atone for their sins. We know that no one is sinless except Jesus Christ Himself and this because He WAS God in human form.
Just as an individual must pay for human laws that they break through jail time (known as “paying their debt to society”), so an individual is required to pay for the sin debt they have accumulated throughout their life. Sad to say, there is no amount of money, high priced lawyers or pleading that can get someone out of paying this debt. It is owed whether the person is conscious of it’s’ existence or not. Any man, woman and child is born with a conscience and the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, good and evil. Our sinful nature gravitates or is drawn to sin like a fly is drawn to honey. The immediate satisfaction may be great, but the consequences are sometimes more than we can bear. It is the Biblical principle of “sowing and reaping”. If you sow corn seeds, you will reap corn … if you cultivate (as in plow and/or fertilize) the soil and water the seeds properly you will have a great harvest, barring any storms that might alter the intended harvest. (Do you see how the last couple sentences relate to our lives: what seeds do we plant in our own hearts and lives?; how well do we cultivate those seeds?; how well do we deal with the trials and tribulations that confound us throughout the growing process, aka, living your life?)
John 16:33 (NIV) (Jesus said) “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
How does a non-believer live this crazy life without God? I have no answer for that question. A believer has the history that is recorded in their own mind and heart regarding their walk with God. They know God is faithful. They know He shows no favorites. They have peace as a result. What does the non-believer have to draw from? It is a relative question which has a different answer for each individual. For a believer, though the specifics may be different, the answer is always the same, for God is consistent. We can count on Him to provide for us and sustain us through any and all the bumps we encounter in this life. To trust in God is to rely on Him. Meditate on these things, for in them you will find life and peace.
WALK WITH THE KING TODAY AND BE A BLESSING!!
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