Romans 3:1-2
God's Righteousness Upheld
Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God.
Tag: God's Word - Responsibility to it!!
Paul has just written to the Roman's Christians about the la and God's judgment for those who don't keep it. He is about to tell them that all have sinned (Romans 3:23). But, in this section he gives them some understanding that our salvation is based upon our faith in the promises of God. I like how one commentator sums up this section:
"The logical follow-up to the preceding section is the question, “What advantage, then, is there is being a Jew?” (v. 1). Although ultimately Jews have no advantage, if we understand Paul rightly, they operate in the short run with a favorable handicap, for “they have been entrusted with the very words of God” (v. 2). God’s revelation does not happen just anywhere. Humanity cannot conjure up God whenever and wherever it will. God must be known where he makes himself known—within Israel. “Salvation is from the Jews” (John 4:22). Paul does not say, however, that God gave his words to Israel, but that God entrusted them to Israel. This shifts the emphasis from ownership to stewardship, from possession of the law to responsibility to it. Israel’s knowledge of God was, of course, for its benefit, but it was not limited to Israel. Israel was not to be a dam but a sluiceway, “a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth” (Isa. 49:6)." (Understanding the Bible Commentary Series - NT)
We only find God because God chooses to reveal Himself to us. The Jews were "entrusted" with God's Word and were responsible to it via faith. Our salvation is based upon our faith response to Gods Word. We have no other way to be saved, sanctified or glorified. God gives us His Word and we respond in faith to it. Abraham will be used in this chapter as an example of someone given God's, ho responded by faith.
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