“For the Law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”  John 1:17

This year in my Bible study, we are studying the book of Romans.  My group is made up of 16 women of all ages, enthusiastically reading the notes and answering the weekly questions.  As I became more acquainted with them, I realized that some were new believers in class for the very first time.  One lady told me not to call on her because she knows very little about the Bible even though she has attended church regularly all her life.  She said they were never encouraged to read God’s Word!  Another wanted to quit because she was completely lost.  As the facilitator, it is my hearts’ desire for them to know and understand everything God has for them through His Word; to understand they are sinners and the remedy for their sin is faith in Jesus Christ.

In Romans 3, the Apostle Paul spells out the differences between Jews and gentiles.  The Jewish people, as God’s chosen ones were given the Law and they were blessed if they followed it wholeheartedly.  But, how to make the ladies understand what the Law is if they have no concept of the Old Testament? (When I was a young believer, I heard references to the “Law” many times, but I wasn’t sure exactly what it was.)  So, I stopped the class and asked, “What is the Law?”  One lady said, “It’s the Ten Commandments.”  Well, it is that, but what else?  Another lady said, “It’s the book of Leviticus where God gave Israel instructions on Temple worship and the many sacrifices that were to be made.”  Yes, and what else?  Another lady said, “I read that there were over 613 other laws the people had to keep!”  As I looked at their questioning faces, I realized again the reason God sent a Savior.  We could never keep all those laws, even the Jewish scholars who spent their lives in the study of the scrolls, could not do so, it is just plain impossible!  I have some sweet ladies in my group, I know God is calling them or they wouldn’t be there!  I’m not sure they understand that by doing good deeds, they will not attain heaven.  There are many remarkable people in the world who give money to the poor, do good works in the community, but no one is good enough for God’s holy presence.  We are born with that human nature that loves to sin.  “There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23.  All is all and that’s all that all means!  We are all born with a rebellious nature, that’s why God had to send Jesus to be the perfect sacrifice for our sin!  God wanted a people to share in His Glory!  What an amazing thought that God would want us!  We get a home in heaven and His presence throughout our lifetime!  All we have to do is confess that we have sinned, “God demonstrates His own love for us in this:  While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8.  “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord,” Romans 6:23.  I am praying for my ladies that they will ALL come to Christ and receive Him as their Lord and Savior.  Praying for 100% on their way to heaven!

Did you know that the Rabbis added more laws in the third century?  It’s just plain overwhelming!!

Your friend, Jean