Study Desk

For God does not show favoritism.

For merely listening to the law doesn't make us right with God. It is obeying the law that makes us right in his sight.

And this is the message I proclaim—that the day is coming when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone's secret life.

You think you can instruct the ignorant and teach children the ways of God. For you are certain that God's law gives you complete knowledge and truth.

You are so proud of knowing the law, but you dishonor God by breaking it.

No wonder the Scriptures say, "The Gentiles blaspheme the name of God because of you."

And if the Gentiles obey God's law, won't God declare them to be his own people?

No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by the Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people.

Yes, there are great benefits! First of all, the Jews were entrusted with the whole revelation of God.

True, some of them were unfaithful; but just because they were unfaithful, does that mean God will be unfaithful?

Of course not! Even if everyone else is a liar, God is true. As the Scriptures say about him, "You will be proved right in what you say, and you will win your case in court."

"But," some might say, "our sinfulness serves a good purpose, for it helps people see how righteous God is. Isn't it unfair, then, for him to punish us?" (This is merely a human point of view.)

Of course not! If God were not entirely fair, how would he be qualified to judge the world?

"But," someone might still argue, "how can God condemn me as a sinner if my dishonesty highlights his truthfulness and brings him more glory?"

No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God.

"They have no fear of God at all."

Obviously, the law applies to those to whom it was given, for its purpose is to keep people from having excuses, and to show that the entire world is guilty before God.

For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are.

But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago.

We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.