THE CELLAR OF SINFULNESS !!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Before Paul explains the great Doctrine of Salvation
he begins by showing mankinds NEED for Salvation.
In 1:1-17 we
stood on the porch and met our Tour Guide.
Now we move in to the first room
the Cellar of Sinfulness (1:18-3:20).
* * * * * * * * * *
1. MAN IS A SINNER WITHOUT EXCUSE
The Creation testifies to the fact
that there is a Creator (vs. 19-20).
And Conscience testifies to the fact
that there is such a ting as right and wrong!
(2:14-15). However, rebellion
against God deadens the conscience that it no longer becomes a safe guide (1:21).
The heathen nations once knew God
but forsook Him
for Idolatry (vs. 23, 25), which led to an Ignorance
of His will (v. 28), which led to Immorality (vs. 26-27). Not only did they break Gods Law
they
boasted about it! (v. 32).
Those who have never heard the Gospel
or the Law
will not be judged by it, but by the law written in their hearts
(2:14-15). And Paul says they will be
found GUILTY.
.
2. MAN
IS A SINNER WITHOUT EXCEPTION
Not only the heathen are sinners in the sight of
God, but so too are the religious Jews.
He tells them that salvation does not depend upon ones relationship to
Abraham (according to the flesh
2:28-29), but it depends upon a relationship
with God. See also John 8:33, 39; Galatians 3:29.
The Jews had Gods Law
and they will be judged by
it (2:12). And they will find that nobody
has perfectly kept it in every point.
The Law shows us how guilty we are
but it does not
cannot
save us.
By the deeds of the law shall no flesh be justified
in His sight
(3:19-20).
..
3. MAN
IS A SINNER REGARDLESS OF THE EXTENT OF HIS SIN
Whether a rogue of the deepest dye, or a good-living
fellow All have sinned and come short of Gods standard (3:23). Some miss it by a mile, some by a foot
(figuratively speaking). But all come short!
.
4. MAN MAY ESCAPE FROM THE
ROOM OF SIN
But there is a Door that is open and you may get out
of the Cellar of Sinfulness
John 10:9.
.
===========================================================