It’s Important To Know How Sinful We Are

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I set a goal to write a devotion on all the “3:16s” in the New Testament. Our verse for today in Romans 3 contains only part of its context. The Apostle Paul was telling us it’s important to know how sinful we are.

Destruction and misery always follow them. Romans 3:16

Some folks in Paul’s day thought people being sinful was good. They said it showed how righteous God was. Paul’s response was, absolutely not. Others said that the Jews were better because they had the law. Paul disagreed with that as well. Here is what he said.

We have already shown that all people, whether Jews or Gentiles, are under the power of sin. As the Scriptures say, “No one is righteous—not even one. Romans 3:9-10

Paul then started his discourse so we would know how sinful we really are. I don’t have to include all of us because Paul did it for us. He was all-inclusive using the words “no one” and “all.”

No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one. Romans 3:11-12

To Know How Sinful We Are Is Important

Please don’t get offended. We were all born into sin. It comes naturally to each of us. We might say we aren’t that bad, but we compare ourselves with other sinners. The rest of the context gives these descriptive words.

Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave. Their tongues are filled with lies.” “Snake venom drips from their lips.” “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.” “They rush to commit murder. Destruction and misery always follow them. They don’t know where to find peace.” “They have no fear of God at all.” Romans 3:13-18

In the next verse, it says God gave the law 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. Romans 3:20

I’m sure you aren’t receiving much edification up until this point. Hang in there though, there is more to come. You see, God has made a way for everyone of us .

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. Romans 3:22

You may want to read this related post called 4 Consequences when Life is Overtaken by Sin.

God Made A Way To Be Right With Him

It's Important To Know How Sinful We Are

In our sinful state, we might not be guilty of all the things that were listed earlier. But it’s not in our nature at all to seek after God. That is evident by the volumes of people who want nothing to do with Him. He though is the one who sought after us.

Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. Romans 3:24-25

Read the entire chapter of Romans 3. In it, you will see that God makes a way for people to be right with Him. But, it comes strictly by faith.

Lord, thank you that you made a way out of our sinful state. By grace, you saved us and made us into a new person by the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Are You Ready To Turn Your Life To Jesus?

It’s not so important that you know how sinful you are. But that you know God will forgive you. Start by telling Him that you are committing your life to Him. Then do the following.

  • Admit that you are a sinner.
  • By faith tell Jesus you believe that He died on the cross and rose from the dead for you.
  • Repent of your sins and ask the Lord to forgive you.
  • Then tell Him that you are committing your life to Him.

That is the beginning of your new life. Now, find a good Bible-believing church so you can learn the things God wants you to know. He wants us to live in obedience to Him.

If you have any questions or need direction, email me at robin@ramckinley.com


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