From Condemnation to Salvation: The Power of 'But Now'
Summary
In this evening's exploration of Romans 3:21-31, we delve into a pivotal section of Paul's epistle, marking a transition from the condemnation of humanity under the law to the revelation of God's righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ. This passage is not just a new section of the chapter but a major turning point in the entire epistle. Paul has meticulously established that no one can achieve righteousness through the law, as it only brings the knowledge of sin. The law's purpose was never to save but to convict, leading us to the realization of our utter hopelessness without divine intervention.
The phrase "but now" introduces the gospel's transformative power, offering hope where there was none. It signifies a shift from the despair of sin to the hope of salvation through faith. This is a profound test of our Christian faith: do we recognize and rejoice in the "but now" of our own lives? The gospel is God's initiative, planned before the foundation of the world, and witnessed by the law and the prophets. It is not an afterthought but the fulfillment of God's eternal plan.
Paul emphasizes that this righteousness is available to all, Jew and Gentile alike, and is entirely a gift of grace, not earned by works. The gospel is consistent with God's character, glorifies Him alone, and confirms the law rather than nullifying it. This section of Romans is a cornerstone for understanding salvation, reminding us that our message must align with this divine revelation. We must resist the temptation to dilute the gospel for the sake of appeal, trusting instead in the Holy Spirit to open hearts to the truth.
Key Takeaways:
- The phrase "but now" is a profound turning point in the Christian narrative, marking the transition from condemnation under the law to the hope of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. It challenges us to examine whether we truly grasp the transformative power of the gospel in our own lives. [05:02]
- Faith is not the absence of doubt but the ability to stand firm against it. When faced with accusations from the devil or our own conscience, we must hold onto the truth of our new position in Christ, declaring "but now" as a testament to our faith. [11:01]
- The gospel is entirely God's initiative, planned before the foundation of the world and revealed through the law and the prophets. It is not an afterthought but the fulfillment of God's eternal plan, demonstrating His sovereignty and grace. [32:22]
- Our understanding of salvation must be consistent with the entirety of Scripture, recognizing the Old Testament as a vital witness to the gospel. Any attempt to separate the New Testament from the Old Testament results in an incomplete understanding of God's redemptive work. [39:59]
- The law serves as a schoolmaster, convicting us of sin and pointing us to Christ. A true understanding of salvation acknowledges the law's role in revealing our need for a Savior and the grace provided through Jesus Christ. [43:44]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Introduction to Romans 3:21-31
- [01:04] - Structure of Romans Chapter 3
- [02:32] - The Wrath of God and Human Sinfulness
- [03:46] - The Hopelessness of Justification by Law
- [05:02] - The Transformative "But Now"
- [06:12] - The Necessity of a Law Work
- [07:29] - Testing Our Christian Experience
- [09:24] - Faith's Response to Accusations
- [11:01] - The Fight of Faith
- [13:00] - Standing by Faith Alone
- [14:26] - The Meaning of "But Now"
- [16:00] - The Gospel's Power and Revelation
- [18:24] - God's Provision of Righteousness
- [20:22] - Characteristics of Salvation
- [22:23] - The Importance of Scriptural Consistency
- [24:39] - Detailed Examination of Salvation
- [27:03] - The Gospel as God's Initiative
- [32:22] - The Eternal Plan of Salvation
- [39:59] - The Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecy
- [43:44] - The Law as Our Schoolmaster
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Romans 3:21-31
Bible Reading:
- Romans 3:21-31
- Genesis 3:15
- Isaiah 53
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Observation Questions:
1. What does the phrase "but now" signify in Romans 3:21, and how does it mark a transition in Paul's message? [05:02]
2. According to the sermon, how does Paul describe the purpose of the law in relation to sin and righteousness? [03:05]
3. How does the sermon explain the role of the law and the prophets in witnessing the righteousness of God? [32:54]
4. What is the significance of the gospel being described as God's initiative, planned before the foundation of the world? [32:22]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of "but now" challenge believers to reflect on their personal transformation through faith in Jesus Christ? [08:00]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that faith acts as a protest against doubt and accusations? How might this be practically applied in a believer's life? [11:01]
3. How does the sermon emphasize the importance of understanding salvation as consistent with the entirety of Scripture, including both the Old and New Testaments? [39:59]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between God's righteousness and His character, and how should this influence our understanding of salvation? [20:22]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced a "but now" moment in your spiritual journey. How did it change your perspective or actions? [08:00]
2. When faced with doubts or accusations, what practical steps can you take to remind yourself of your new position in Christ? [11:01]
3. How can you ensure that your understanding of the gospel remains consistent with the whole of Scripture, including the Old Testament? What resources or practices might help you in this endeavor? [39:59]
4. Consider the role of the law as a schoolmaster in your life. How has it helped you recognize your need for a Savior, and how can you use this understanding to share the gospel with others? [43:44]
5. The sermon emphasizes that the gospel is entirely God's initiative. How does this understanding affect your view of grace and your response to God's gift of salvation? [32:22]
6. In what ways can you actively resist the temptation to dilute the gospel for the sake of appeal, and instead trust in the Holy Spirit to open hearts to the truth? [23:23]
7. How can you incorporate the transformative power of the gospel into your daily life, ensuring that it influences your decisions and interactions with others? [05:02]
Devotional
Day 1: The Transformative Power of "But Now"
In Romans 3:21-31, the phrase "but now" marks a significant turning point in the Christian narrative. It transitions from the condemnation under the law to the hope of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. This shift challenges believers to examine whether they truly grasp the transformative power of the gospel in their own lives. The gospel offers hope where there was none, signifying a profound change from despair to salvation. It is a call to recognize and rejoice in the "but now" moments of our lives, where God's grace intervenes and transforms our reality. [05:02]
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
Reflection: Can you identify a "but now" moment in your life where God's grace transformed your situation? How can you celebrate and share this transformation with others today?
Day 2: Standing Firm in Faith Amidst Doubt
Faith is not the absence of doubt but the ability to stand firm against it. When faced with accusations from the devil or our own conscience, believers must hold onto the truth of their new position in Christ. Declaring "but now" serves as a testament to their faith, reminding them of the transformative power of the gospel. This is a profound test of Christian faith, challenging individuals to stand firm in their belief despite the doubts and accusations they may face. [11:01]
Ephesians 6:16 (ESV): "In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one."
Reflection: What doubts or accusations are you currently facing? How can you use the truth of your new position in Christ to stand firm against them today?
Day 3: God's Eternal Plan of Salvation
The gospel is entirely God's initiative, planned before the foundation of the world and revealed through the law and the prophets. It is not an afterthought but the fulfillment of God's eternal plan, demonstrating His sovereignty and grace. This understanding of salvation emphasizes that it is a gift of grace, available to all, Jew and Gentile alike. It glorifies God alone and confirms the law rather than nullifying it, showcasing the consistency of God's character throughout Scripture. [32:22]
1 Peter 1:20-21 (ESV): "He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God."
Reflection: How does knowing that your salvation was part of God's eternal plan impact your view of His sovereignty and grace? How can you live in a way that reflects this understanding today?
Day 4: The Consistency of Scripture in Salvation
Our understanding of salvation must be consistent with the entirety of Scripture, recognizing the Old Testament as a vital witness to the gospel. Any attempt to separate the New Testament from the Old Testament results in an incomplete understanding of God's redemptive work. This consistency highlights the importance of viewing the Bible as a unified narrative, where the law and the prophets testify to the gospel's truth and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. [39:59]
Luke 24:27 (ESV): "And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself."
Reflection: How can you deepen your understanding of the Old Testament as a witness to the gospel? What steps can you take today to study the Bible as a unified narrative?
Day 5: The Law as a Schoolmaster Leading to Christ
The law serves as a schoolmaster, convicting us of sin and pointing us to Christ. A true understanding of salvation acknowledges the law's role in revealing our need for a Savior and the grace provided through Jesus Christ. This perspective helps believers appreciate the law's purpose in God's redemptive plan, leading them to a deeper reliance on Christ's grace for salvation. [43:44]
Galatians 3:24 (ESV): "So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith."
Reflection: In what ways has the law revealed your need for a Savior? How can you embrace the grace provided through Jesus Christ in your daily life today?
Quotes
I cannot see how a man can be a Christian without realizing his own utter hopelessness. It's no use talking about coming to Christ if you don't see your hopelessness and your helplessness. You can't just come to him for help or something. There is but one reason for going to Christ, and that is that you realize that no flesh can possibly be justified by the law in the sight of God. [00:04:08]
Now there are no more vital words in the whole of the scripture than just these two words: but now. What vital words these are! These are the kind of words with which the Apostle always introduces the gospel. It's something that you'll find constantly in the New Testament scriptures. He paints his dark and his black picture, and not only this Apostle but the others also in the same way. [00:05:13]
When the devil attacks you and suggests you that you're not a Christian and that you've never been a Christian because of what's still in your heart or because of what you're still doing or because of something you once did, when he comes and thus accuses you, what do you say to him? Do you agree with him, or do you say to him, yes, that was true, but now? [00:09:16]
The whole secret of faith is the ability, I say, to stand up with these two words against it all. We walk by faith and not by sight. There is a sense, then, I'm saying, in which what Browning, I think it was, said about faith is true. It isn't the whole statement about faith, but there is this aspect in it. [00:11:22]
The gospel is entirely God's initiative, planned before the foundation of the world and revealed through the law and the prophets. It is not an afterthought but the fulfillment of God's eternal plan, demonstrating His sovereignty and grace. This is the essence of the gospel. [00:27:03]
Our ideas of Salvation must always be true to this section. Whatever our views of Salvation, they must always be conformable to this, and in the same way, we must never state the way of Salvation in any way that denies any of these tests or that fails to satisfy and to give due weight to anyone of these tests. [00:37:52]
Any way of explaining salvation that does not show that the New Testament gospel is a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy is wrong. And there's a great deal of that today. They deny and criticize much of the Old Testament. Oh, they say we're only interested in the gospel. [00:39:59]
The law is our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ. The law at one and the same time shows us our desperate need and points forward to his coming. What a perfect schoolmaster the law was! It did the two things that were essential: it convicts of sin, it points to the way of Salvation. [00:43:44]
Faith is a kind of protest. All these things are against us. Very well, are you a man of Faith or not? Well, this is just the question, and the way you answer it is this: having listened to all that can be said, do you then say but now? Now that is a part of the fight of Faith. [00:10:54]
The gospel is entirely God's. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested. And you remember that we saw way back there in Chapter 1 what we'll have to look into in greater detail now, that the term the righteousness of God means a righteousness provided by God, a righteousness prepared by God, a righteousness that is made available by God. [00:27:03]
The gospel of Jesus Christ is not an afterthought. It isn't something that God thought of when the law had failed to redeem men. How often is that taught? But we saw last Friday night that the gospel was never meant to, that the law was never meant to save anybody. By the law is the knowledge of sin. [00:32:22]
The gospel is God's gospel. God is the planner of this gospel. God is the initiator of this gospel. Indeed, you see, everything about the gospel should be always in terms of God primarily. For this reason, sin, after all, is rebellion against God. Sin isn't just something that means that you and I have failed and have let down ourselves and our standard. [00:30:19]
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