Romans 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ to all and on all them that believe: for there is no difference: 1. The truth laid down here and in ver. 23 is of immense moment. You must take your right position if you wish to journey in a right direction. At a great railway junction the main thing is to get on to the right platform for the station you want to reach. So with all who wish to reach heaven. But what is that platform? That of self-condemnation. It is the laying aside of every self-righteous, self-excusing plea, and taking the place of a sinner in God's sight. 2. The Old Version, "There is no difference," scarcely puts the truth so clearly as the New. There is a wide difference between one and another as to the measure of responsibility and the amount of guilt. Great is the difference between an Englishman and an Arab; between a youth yielding for the first time to some subtle temptation and the hoary-headed sinner who has been the means of stumbling to multitudes. 3. But in spite of these differences "there is no distinction." There is not one who has kept the law. "All have fallen short of the glory of God." At a match in archery many try their skill and some come nearer than others; but the only matter of importance is whether anyone actually hits the eye. If otherwise all alike fail. In the matter before us perfect holiness is the end of God's law. But who has reached it? No doubt some may come nearer than others, but where is one who has never failed? 4. Own this before God. Do not put in any claim for arrest of judgment. Do not try to lull conscience to sleep by imagining yourself no worse than others. One sin is enough to prove you guilty, how much more thousands? 5. Therefore learn the lesson. Stoop and take the lowest place — willing to be saved on the same footing as a criminal. "God be merciful to me a sinner" must be your only plea. Then you are in the right direction. Keep on that line and you will reach your journey's end. (G. Everard, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: |
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