10-28 – Romans 3 [19-28] – Our Lutheran Heritage

Text: Romans 3:19–28

We know that whatever the Law say applies to everyone under its influence, and no one can say a thing. The whole world is brought under the judgment of God. No one can have God’s approval by any effort to follow the Law. The Law show what sin is.

Now, the way to receive God’s approval has been made plain in a way other than the Law. Moses’ Teachings and the Prophets tell us this. Everyone who believes has God’s approval through faith in Jesus Christ.

There is no difference between people. Because everyone has sinned, and have fallen short of God’s glory. They receive God’s approval freely by an act of his kindness, through the price Christ Jesus paid to set us free from sin. God showed that Christ is the Mercy Seat where God’s approval is given through faith in Christ’s blood. In his patience God waited to deal with sins committed in the past. He waited so that he could display his approval at the present time. This shows that he is a God of justice, a God who approves of people who believe in Jesus.

So, do we have anything to brag about? Bragging has been eliminated. On what basis was it eliminated? On the basis of our own efforts? No, indeed! Rather, it is eliminated on the basis of faith. We hold that a person has God’s approval by faith, not by his own efforts.