Romans 3:21-4:25

In writing this blog, as well as thinking and processing through the content of this passage, I always feel the need give a disclaimer that what is written is a simple overview of what is being communicated by the author.  Even in writing this, I feel the weight and enormity of my inadequacy to write a clear presentation of this deep, rich passage that I cannot help but to literally trust in the work of God's Spirit to lead readers of this blog to go deeper in their study.  There are much smarter people in this world than I that would provide much more thorough and applicable teaching from this passage.  So what I am trying to get across is to study.  Look into the richness and depth that can be found in the word.  It is a good thing.  Now that my disclaimer has been given, I will continue.

Works and faith.  These concepts in the realm of righteousness have been under debate for hundreds and thousands of years.  A righteousness based on the things that we do and the works of the law (primarily the Old Testament Law) are actually futile.  We see this outlined at the end of chapter 3.  Paul outlines the concept that works in and out of the law to obtain righteousness.  If we rely upon our own righteousness based upon our good deeds, we indeed "fall short of the glory of God".  This is only remedied through faith in Jesus Christ and "God's divine forbearance"  to annul the sins done in our works to justify people in his righteousness.  So the answer to please God is faith.  We literally, according to this passage in 3:21-25, have no capability of obtaining God's righteousness on their own.  Whether they are a Jew (whom the law was intended for) or a Greek.  The only way to please God is through faith. 

Although, there seems to be a disconnect between faith and works.  Paul does not just say have and faith and your good, leaving us to say "I believe" and God views me as righteousness.  The faith that is displayed by Paul is much different than this concept.  He even gives a specific example through Abraham.  Abraham, the forefather in the faith whom Moses wrote about in Genesis saying, "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness".  Paul outlines the fact that Abraham was actually justified by his belief and faith in God.  This righteousness was not something that he could earn, and it most certainly was not earned through circumcision (which was the method that God used in reminding Abraham that he was righteous and that God would keep his word).  Rather the action of circumcision came after he was deemed righteous.  The action of his work followed the fact that he believed.  This is what eventually would lead Abraham through trusting God through the barren years of Sarah, his wife, having a child promised by God.  Abraham believed and acted on the fact that he was righteous through his belief in God.

Works and faith are not in opposition to each other.  Rather, works are always followed and fueled by faith in God.  If we do not have faith in God, our works of displaying, reflecting, and obeying him will not follow.  So this being the same concept that James proclaimed in James 2, that " So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."  So, let your works in following the Lord not lead you to boasting and bragging in you how good you are.  Rather, let your faith in the one true God lead you to reflecting him and obeying him with all that you are.  This is where righteousness that justifies us before a good, holy God is based.