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 I
am Paul, a called one, as respects God's good news. This gospel
was promised when Christ was promised: a descendent of Abraham
through David yet the very Son of God, as proven by his
resurrection. He called, and sent me to all nations, that the
blessings of the gospel might be had by all who are obedient to
the faith.
']'his
good news concerning Christ, when incorporated in a faithful
life, is God's way of saving man from sin.
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Men
universally could know of God as the Eternal Power and Deity, by
looking at His product, the created world. This should cause all
to praise Him, and recognize dependence upon Him. Instead, men
have allowed pride and fleshly lust to rule. Such men God justly
"gave up" to the consequences of their own sin.
All
mankind shows a sense of moral "ought." We claim to
see wrong in others, and know the wrongdoer is worthy of death.
So, when we do wrongly, God is just in condemning us. Thus,
Gentiles, having no access to codified law, stand justly
condemned. A Just God renders judgment according to the deeds of
each individual, without respect of person.
The
Jews, with all their advantages, have failed to live according
to the law of which they boast. 'they have erroneously thought
that outward marks, as circumcision or lineage, will save. But
God sees the inward man, the heart, the spirit of man. Yes, God
is Just in condemning both Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned.
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Law
is not the remedy. Law (rightful authority of God and just
administration of the same) has but emphasized man's failure.
All have alike missed the mark. Seeking justification (freedom
from guilt) on the basis of law alone is futile: for no amount
of right-doing can remove the guilt of wrong-doing. Even the Law
and Prophets of old testify to this, saying the righteous man
will live in his faithfulness (rather than by the perfectness of
his doing.)
God's
plan for man's righteousness is one of grace, expressed in the
sacrifice of His Son. Christ paid the penalty for sin on our
behalf, so that God is both Just and the justifier of all who
put their trust in Christ rather than in themselves. Redemption
(buying back), Justification (making free of guilt), and
Propitiation (appeasement of the one offended, viz., God), are
all made possible through the death of the Son of God, and the
operation of forgiveness.
Nothing
has been done to void law, (for submission to divine authority
is essential in all dispensations). But efforts to attain
justification via perfect obedience are vain. Both Jews and
Gentiles must trust in Jesus Christ for justification via
forgiveness.
As
an example and test case, Abraham had rightstanding with God,
not because of perfect doing so as to merit this standing, but
by the operation of forgiveness on the basis of trust. As David
said, God's grace is extended in the operation of forgiveness.
And Abraham was justified, not (continued next page)
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