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by Howard Watson
In this chapter Paul continues his cry and prayer
for the Jewish people of Israel that they come to Christ Jesus as
he had and be saved. The Jews needed to realize the failures and
lackings of their efforts to be righteous in their fleshly/carnal
works. The only righteousness which counts with God is that of faith's
promise. It is imputed righteousness from Christ and God to sinners
both Jew and Gentile. See verses six to thirteen. Through the ages
the Jews/Israelites had shown a disregard of the covenants, had
transgressed the Law/Torah, had slain Jehovah's prophets, and worshipped
no-gods/idols. Yet, God had waited centuries upon them to fully
believe and trust in His Word, not their independent works of righteousness.
Christ is the end and fulfillment of the Law. Jesus both kept the
Law without offence and fulfilled the Law's demand upon the sins
of sinners in dying for the sins of sinners on Calvary. See verses
four, eight, nine and ten. Jesus is our full redeemer by our faith
commitment to Him as Savior and Lord. See verse thirteen.
Because of the dullness of darkened sin-ladden hearts sinners must
hear the piercing, conscience cutting, Word/Gospel in order to learn
the lessons of judgment upon sin in the death of Christ Jesus for
our sins and the forgivenness of sin through Christ Jesus. The sinner's
victory over personal sin's condemnation is felt in his/her cleansed
heart which is filled with love, joy, and peace upon believing and
receiving Jesus Christ into his/her heart. See verses fourteen and
following.
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