Romans 3:9-19
In a divisive world, sin is the great equalizer. We all sin, no matter how hard we try not to. It’s the nature of being human. Paul tells the Romans that no one has an advantage. “Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin” (v. 9).
We can’t be cured on earth, but we do have a treatment option - Scripture. Scripture is not a message for “others” – you know, the ones who really need God’s help. Scripture is a message for ALL of us - each and every sinner.
We may like to think of ourselves as righteous. But verse 11 tells us, “There is no one righteous, not even one.” We’re best to keep our mouths shut and only open them after we pray like David in Psalm 51:15…“Open my lips, Lord and my mouth will declare your praise.” In the previous verse, David says “and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.” Whose righteousness? Certainly not ours, but His and His alone.
The only thing we can really bring to God’s table is “a broken and contrite heart” (v. 17). Once we stop blaming and denying, then we can take ownership and ask God for forgiveness. And our merciful Father, who wants nothing more than a personal relationship with us, will be more than happy to oblige and draw us into his loving arms.
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