Romans 3:1-2 Do you know?

In the book of Romans, the apostle Paul has an interesting style that is not as prevalent in the other epistles. He anticipates the objections of the reader of his letter to the church in Rome. The first two chapters of Romans systematically exposes the blatant sinfulness of two groups, Gentiles in chapter 1, and Jews in chapter 2.

The question in the first two verses in chapter 3 is, “Is there any value in being a Jew or in following the Jewish traditions?” He answers with a yes and a no. As a believing Jew, you see the whole redemptive plan of God revealed in the scriptures. This plan was given first to the Jews, that they may rejoice in the revealed Messiah. Yet, it also carried the weight of greater condemnation. Because the oracles of God were given to Israel, they bore witness to the Christ, yet, they refused to believe.

Before I put my faith in Jesus, I was raised by Christian parents, I knew the stories; I was great at Bible baseball and I memorized John 3:16, but...

I didn’t know my savior...

The blessings of my Christian upbringing and Bible knowledge became all the more meaningful gifts from God when I put my faith in Christ alone.

- Eddie Hoekstra