Romans 4:1-4, Genesis 17:10, Isaiah 57:12, Galatians 2:16, Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:4-5, Matthew 7:22-23

Summary: Paul reminds his fellow Jews that it was not the Law that made them righteous before God. Abraham did not have the Law but was a role model of a relationship with God through faith. The Law is a guide but does not provide salvation. Faith in the Lord is what redeems us.

Paul has been explaining to his fellow Jews (Chapters 2-3) that their lineage and heritage as God’s people was a blessing to the world and something for which to be thankful. They had been given the privilege and responsibility to teach other nations about the True God who created the world as an obvious sign of His existence and power, so that no one has any excuse for turning to idols or saying that they did not know about Him (1:18-20). The very fact that the Jewish people were still around in spite of retribution and exile showed the other nations that God was with them and would always have a place in His heart.

To teach that God is now through with the Jews and that the church is the sole recipient of God’s attention and blessing is a grievous error and has been a source of anti-Semitism throughout the history of Christianity.

While not every Jew (and few of us, for that matter) believes in God, it has never meant that He has decided to break His covenant with them as a nation. The very fact that the nation of Israel is in existence today is a testimony to that covenant, and that one day their remnant will see that their Messiah had been among them, yet they had been blinded to it due to their unbelief.

The Jewish nation had been blessed with the Law of God, namely, the Ten Commandments, honoring Him and showing mercy to one another as a people. They also showed Israel and all of us that they are God’s standards and that we cannot keep them in our own strength or effort. The Law was designed to be a schoolmaster to teach the Israelites and anyone else that they could not redeem us. Therefore, anyone who says that they live by and keep the Ten Commandments either does not know them or is trying, like the majority of the world, to justify and make themselves right before God apart from His divine intervention. The Law of God does not save anyone. It is faith in God that makes us righteous and that He is the One who justifies us.

Paul writes that the father of the nation, the patriarch Abraham, who came from a pagan background, was directed by God to leave his home in Ur of the Chaldees. He was to separate himself from all he knew in order to follow God and to receive the promise of being a great nation (Genesis 12:1-4) in a new land. God did not give Abraham any specifics when he left Ur, but only to trust and obey Him. While Abraham made his share of mistakes, such as going to Egypt and not trusting God to provide in the midst of a famine (Genesis 12:10-20), and listening to Sarah about having a son (ahead of God’s direction (Genesis 14), his life was a testimony of faith apart from the Law that was to come later.

The key verse that summarizes the covenant between Abraham and the LORD is from Genesis 15:6. It simply states that he believed God, and it is this act of faith that made him righteous before God. It is faith in God that brings redemption to anyone who calls upon Him for salvation. It is a simple act yet is blocked by our pride and self-centered thinking that our works, or “good deeds” or rituals, or whatever we believe will “do the trick” and let us enter the presence of God and His heaven. It doesn’t work that way. Throughout Scripture, God makes it clear that He is the source of saving grace and no one else (Psalm 27:1, 37:39, 62:2; Isaiah 12:2, 25:9; 1 Timothy 4:10; Revelation 19:1).

Paul hammers this point in verse 4, where he emphasizes that we are in a debt of sin and unrighteousness and that our works, noble or selfish, are and will never be sufficient to pay it off. Our wicked nature cannot cleanse itself. Nothing we do makes us righteous before a Holy God whose commandments plainly show that we cannot follow them in our own strength or effort.

We have to put aside our methods and beliefs, rebuke our pride, and come before the LORD, asking Him and Him alone to save us from the sin debt that we can never pay. The good news is that the Lord Jesus Christ, while on the cross, willingly and in love, took upon Himself that debt. He was the sinless, spotless Lamb of God, the perfect sacrifice that would once and for all remove our sins and bring life to our dead souls. It is Jesus Christ alone who can provide us the means by which to have saving faith in God. He opens our eyes to our need for mercy, grace, and salvation.

The world, the flesh, and the devil will do anything possible to prevent as many people as possible from turning to this free offer of rest and peace (Isaiah 53:6, 64:6; Matthew 11:28-30; John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 10:9-10; Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 Timothy 1:15; Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 2:15-17).

If you have been attempting to make yourself “good,” or even if you have rejected the offer of salvation in Christ in the past, stop where you are and ask yourself if what you see around you is going to get any better. This world’s time is running out, and your life is temporal. When death hits you, whether you believe it or not, you will stand before God to face judgment (Luke 12:13-21; John 5:28-29; Hebrews 9:27). If you have not surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, then, my friend, as far as eternity goes, it will not end well for you (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:11-15). Laws, works, or anything else you might think will do the job for you is a fool’s dream. Please give your life to Jesus Christ today and walk with Him in the faith He graciously provided to Abraham.

donaldwhitchard@gmail.com

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My book The Scope of Biblical Prophecy is now available at: www.parsonsporch.com. It is a general look at the role and importance of Bible prophecy, the importance of correct interpretation of the Scriptures, the varied ways of how the last days events are to occur, and that in the end, Jesus wins.

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Donald was born and reared in the authentic “Cajun Country” of southern Louisiana. He is a graduate of Louisiana College (B.A. in History Education/ Biblical Studies, 1984), New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div. In Christian Education, 1994), and Andersonville Baptist Seminary (Doctor of Ministry, Biblical Exposition, 2000). He has been in the Gospel ministry since 1986, serving as an evangelist, interim and supply pastor, hospital and rescue mission chaplain, high school and college teacher, and pastor in churches in Louisiana and Oklahoma.

In 2018, he began to devote his time to the rich field of internet and social media evangelism and outreach. In 2021 he became a member of the Oklahoma Conference of Southern Baptist Evangelists, using his skills as a writer to contribute articles and sermons to websites such as Rapture Ready, Sermon Central, and Inspirational Christian Blogs. He also writes Bible studies and curricula for churches in southeast and central Asia and Africa, the locations of which are anonymous. He can be contacted at: donaldwhitchard@gmail.com for inquiries, information, and speaking/preaching engagements. A copy of his resume is also available upon request.

As we draw closer to the end of this age, many events are happening that would not have been able to take place in the distant past. Just within this past decade, we have seen an increase in evil, violence, anti-Jesus movements, and definitely a lack of common sense about human gender issues. There is much more, and the list could go on and on about worldwide events that are taking place today. Everything Jesus, Paul, James, Peter, John, and others said about actions and attitudes that would be here at the end of this age are present, and for the first time, are all here at once. (ESV – all emphasis mine)

Violence taking place in our schools and cities is more prevalent than ever before. Yes, there have always been evil incidents, but not to the extent and degree that they exist right now. All indicators point to the fact that this will only get worse with each passing day. It’s as if each person causing the violence is trying to outdo all the ones that took place before. The satanic influence is obvious to those looking for it.

For anyone to rely on our government to take action, it will not be coming. All their agendas are pointing toward getting us into the New World Order and setting us up for the ultimate evil antichrist to appear with his false prophet.

Isaiah 5:20; “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter.” The prophet continues in Verse 21; “Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and shrewd in their own sight.

For those who do not believe that our God is Omnipotent or all-powerful, Omniscient or all-knowing, and Omnipresent or everywhere at once, He gave the prophet Isaiah the above message about 700 years before our Jesus walked this earth as a human. Time does not have any restrictions on our Heavenly Father, as He created time for us humans. The first chapter of Genesis gives the details of this.

Then, in Genesis 3, God made it plain that He would have to provide what would be necessary to defeat the evil one and his forces once and for all. Genesis 3:15; “l will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring [demons] and her offspring [Jesus]; He shall bruise your head and you shall bruise His heel.”

Although several thousand years passed from the creation of this earth, not the “millions” that the secular people would like you to believe, Jesus was born in the small town of Bethlehem. The books that make up God’s word which are known as the Old Testament, give us the history prior to this immaculate event of our God coming to earth as a human. Different prophets were given different messages as to what would be taking place, even to the end of this earth.

The New Testament books give us the pathway to Salvation and who it was that provided it for us. John 14:6 states it plain and clear from our Shepherd Himself; “Jesus said to him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.”

If we would just take this statement and then go to Romans 10:9-13 for the steps of Salvation, and then to Ephesians 2:8-9 for the ultimate disclaimer, we would have all we would need to ensure that we have an eternal Home in Heaven. However, for some, that is just too easy, and there must be more to our Salvation.

First, we have a confession to make, and we must believe that we all fall into this category. Romans 3:10 states, “as it is written, none is righteous; no not one.” The only “human” that did not fall under this was Jesus the Christ. He was the only human to ever live, or ever will live, a sinless life on this earth. Satan tried to cause Him to fall and sin but was unsuccessful.

Next, Romans 3:23; “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 6:23 follows with, “For the wages of sin is death; but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

In Daniel chapters 7-12, the prophet spoke of an evil being that would bring tribulation on this earth and told of many events that would take place. In Revelation chapters 6 through 19, John picks up on the events that will happen during that horrible time. John then takes us through the millennial reign of Jesus on earth, followed by one final rebellion, and then into eternity.

Luke 21:28 gives us an indication of where we are today and what we should be doing. “Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Going back to 1970, a Motown group called the Temptations released a song called “Ball of Confusion.” This song told of the 1960s Viet Nam issues, a rising drug culture, racial segregation, crooked politicians, and more. I am not going to print the content of this song; however, it is available on YouTube. For any who would listen to it today, it seems as if it was released just now and screams of today’s headlines. Even the turmoil of the 1960s protest era does not match what is happening around the world today.

Having lived through that era, and after things somewhat settled, I thought it would be extremely difficult to have this happen again. However, as the saying goes, “And The Band Played On.”

Today’s events are making what took place then a “beginners lesson” in evil and violence. Paul’s list in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 is totally descriptive of the people in this world today. How many armed conflicts are taking place; how many people are being martyred for their faith; how many people are openly turning and worshiping Satan; how many people are saying that what God called abominations are suddenly all right? Finally, how many have turned from the true faith for “ear tickling” messages and stimulating music to make them feel good but don’t ever tell them they are sinners.

Truth be told, the answer to all these questions is – more than we could ever imagine. Is our Heavenly Father surprised by any of this? His word tells us He is totally aware, and the time is coming that He will provide the delusion for them that they are doing right yet are actually condemning themselves (2 Thessalonians 2:11).

Prior to entering the time of the wrath or Tribulation, God has prepared for all true believers in His Son; all who have received and accepted Jesus’ gift and have asked Him to be their Savior; the means to be away from this evil earth and not go through that horrible seven years (1 Thessalonians 1:10, 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10, and Revelation 3:10)

Once again, Romans 10:9-13 gives the simple pathway, and Ephesians 2:8-9 gives us the disclaimer. All who refuse to accept the Savior will not be forced to do so. God will not cause anyone to go against their free will, as He allows each individual to make their own choice in this. If He would force anyone, it would not be a sign of pure love, and our God is all about Love, as given in 2 Peter 3:9.

We do not have the schedule of exactly the time when Jesus will call all His flock up to meet Him in the air in the Rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-53). It will come very suddenly, and those of us who will be caught up will be gone in less than a second. For anyone who believes they can call out for Jesus to save them when the Rapture starts, there is no way possible to do so in less than one second.

The Tribulation will be the worst time ever, and my wish is that all will call out to the Savior today. It will be a way of making your reservation to be with Him forever, and there is still time. Jesus Himself will prepare a place for you in Heaven (John 14:1-3), to be with Him forever. All who are and will be lost will appear at the Great White Throne Judgement to be given their eternal punishment. That is forever, and there is no pardon or forgiveness there (Revelation 2O:11-15).

Hope to be going Home soon, and hope you will be there with us!

Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!

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