Worship at Mercy Baptist Church

Paul argues that one is made righteous and justified not by works, but by faith alone in Christ alone. Today we unpack the meaning of this faith Paul writes about. Faith; the gift from God of our absolute assurance and conviction that Christ is who He says He is, has done what He said He would do, and is coming again for His very own.

This liberating and life giving truth; righteousness and justification comes by faith alone in Jesus Christ alone. Paul is concluding his argument that one cannot keep the Law, none merits salvation. Salvation: righteousness and justification, is in Jesus alone.

Justification by grace alone in Christ alone. His righteousness imputed to the one who will believe. He is the propitiation to the one who will believe. Salvation is ALL about Jesus, but one must believe.

Paul now gives the only hope for justification; faith in Jesus Christ alone. We cannot merit justification, it is by the complete work of Jesus on man's behalf, by the grace of God alone. Two misconception about justification..I can merit it, or by it I am free to do whatever I want. We let the Scriptures answer each of these misconceptions

Paul's exclamation that not one man is innocent before God. The Law makes us aware of our sin and not one of us can adequately keep the Law. Try as much as we can, we will all bow guilty before God. What can save man...the Gospel of Jesus Christ saves man.

Paul comes to the crescendo of his argument to both the Gentile and the Jew. All are sinners in the need of a Saviour. We are all in the same boat...lost in our sin that only Jesus could save.

Jesus states it is vital for us to "remember" when we celebrate the Lord's Supper. WE are to remember who Jesus is, truly God and truly man. That Jesus came not to condemn, but to save. Jesus is our salvation, Jesus is our eternal life. For now...remember. Remember who Jesus is and who we are in him.

Paul continues his argument to the unbelieving that one cannot think they are safe because of position in life or tribe of heritage. With position and heritage comes responsibility. Because man is not faithful does not mean God is not faithful. God is faithful always. Paul then moves to the righteousness of God in our sin. Sin more, no way! Rather a radical changed heart obeys out of love and gratitude of the Saviour. We need that Saviour, Jesus Christ.