As we dive into Romans 3:27-31, we see the profound implications of Christ’s atoning work in our lives. Last week, we reflected deeply on what Christ accomplished for us, and today we turn to its practical application. I recall my early days as a young adult, as a period marked by a certain obliviousness to my own pride. It was a time when I was somewhat blind to this flaw, only to be graciously enlightened by others. As someone who processes thoughts verbally — and I mean virtually every thought — it can be challenging for those around me. This trait often led me to inadvertently dominate conversations, particularly when others shared their experiences. I would instinctively draw parallels with my own life, overshadowing their stories with my own. It was a reflex, not borne out of malice, but from a place of pride — a pride that subtly manifested as boasting.
This tendency to overshadow others’ experiences with my own, I have come to realize, was more than mere ignorance. It was a form of pride, a belief that my experiences deserved more spotlight, whether they were more harrowing or more triumphant than others’. Boasting, as I understand it now, is an external expression of internal pride. It is a self-centered perspective that overlooks the value and importance of others’ experiences.
But how does one transform this inherent pride into humility? The answer is in the atoning work of Christ. For me, the shift began and continues with a conscious effort to think about Christ. When I focus on Christ, I start to think like Him, and in thinking like Him, I begin to genuinely care about what others are saying. This Christ-like care redirects my attention from my own experiences to a deep interest in the experiences of others. It is a profound change — from being quick to speak to being quick to listen and slow to speak. This transformation is not a one-time event but a continual process. It is a practice of cultivating humility that stems from Christ’s atoning work.
In Romans 3, Paul poses a pivotal question in the wake of explaining Christ’s redemptive work: “Where then is boasting?” It’s a powerful question, especially in the context of our salvation. Christ’s sacrifice, His propitiation, and His bearing of God’s wrath on our behalf, justify us and make us right before God. Romans 3:27-31 is a passage that not only invites theological understanding but also calls for a personal transformation — a transformation that begins with humility, fostered by the profound realization of Christ’s atoning work for us.
1. The Atoning Work of Christ Should Produce Humility Not Boasting
In our ongoing journey through Romans, Paul’s words in verse 27 are particularly striking: boasting is excluded. This statement points to a transformation that should occur in the hearts and mouths of believers following salvation. Why is this so? The answer lies in the very nature of our salvation — it is not something we can claim any credit for. We have done nothing to earn it; in fact, by our own merits, we are far from deserving. Paul painstakingly outlines what we deserve apart from Christ: wrath, nothing but wrath. Theologian Jonathan Edwards poignantly remarked that the only thing we contribute to our salvation is the sin that necessitates it. If there is anything to boast about regarding our salvation, it is ironically our proficiency in sinning. Paul himself admits to being the “chief of sinners.” This realization is humbling — our justification comes not through our works but through faith.
Paul’s emphasis on justification by faith is not to diminish the law but to show its true purpose: revealing sin in everyone. This is not a new teaching; it is a repeated affirmation to highlight that our righteousness comes through faith, not works. Why the repetition? It is because of the insidious nature of sin, particularly the sin of pride. This was especially true for the Jews in Paul’s time, who prided themselves on being God’s chosen and possessing the law. Even Paul, a Jew, was not immune to this pride. In Philippians chapter 3, Paul reflects on his own Jewish heritage and accomplishments. He had every reason to boast according to worldly standards, yet he considers all these achievements as loss compared to knowing Christ Jesus. This is a profound renunciation of pride and a powerful example of humility.
Pride, unfortunately, remains a struggle for believers even today. We might find ourselves boasting in our faith or knowledge of salvation. But we must remember, that even our faith is a gift from God, not something to boast about. Biblical faith is more than belief; it is allegiance. It involves commitment and loyalty, not just to a cause or nation but to our salvation in Christ. This allegiance transforms our identity, making boasting about anything other than Christ redundant.
Faith is the instrument of our salvation, not the cause. We are justified by faith, which connects us to Christ’s atoning work. It is crucial to understand that faith cannot be divorced from its object: the Lord Jesus Christ and His sacrificial act on the cross. As we embrace Christ’s atonement, boasting in ourselves should diminish, and humility should flourish. This humility is displayed in putting Christ first, others second, and ourselves last. It fuels our desire to serve others selflessly, whether in our families, communities, or across the globe.
Humility born from understanding Christ’s atonement leads us not to seek personal glory or career advancement, but to dedicate our lives to His service. It might even call us to lay down our current careers for full-time ministry or to leverage our skills for the glory of God and the spread of the Gospel. As we ponder deeply on what Jesus endured for us, our hearts are softened, and our lives are aligned more closely with His will and purposes. This humility is not just a personal transformation but a call to action, to live a life that reflects Christ’s selfless love and sacrifice.
2. The Atoning Work of Christ Should Abolish Prejudice
In Romans 3:29-31, Paul explains how the atoning work of Christ is a call to abolish prejudice. This message is crucial. The gospel is not exclusive to a particular group; it is a universal invitation to salvation, available to all, Jew and Gentile alike. Why then does Paul reiterate this point? Because sin, particularly the sin of pride, often morphs into prejudice, and it is a battle we face throughout our lives. Historically, Jews struggled with feeling superior to Gentiles. But if we bring this context to our modern world, what forms of pride and prejudice might we, as a church, be grappling with? Is it a deep-seated bias against another culture, a skin color, a socioeconomic status, or a political affiliation? Such prejudices contradict the essence of the gospel and need addressing, both by the Holy Spirit and by those who care for us in faith.
Prejudice is a grave issue, especially when it distorts the gospel message. But you are not alone in this struggle. Consider Peter, a key figure in the early church. Despite his profound experiences and revelations, Peter wrestled with prejudice. This was evident in his interactions with Gentiles, where he initially withdrew from them under the influence of certain Jewish believers. Paul, out of love for Peter and a commitment to the gospel, confronted him face to face, illustrating how such matters should be handled within the faith community.
Peter’s story is a stark reminder that anyone can succumb to the sin of prejudice. It prompts us to introspect and identify areas where we might harbor such biases. Where do we find ourselves looking down upon others? Is it based on their economic background, education level, culture, language, or skin color? These are tough questions, but they are essential for us to ask if we are to truly embody the gospel’s transformative power.
At the cross, we are all equal — equally in need of the grace and salvation that Christ offers. In believing, we are not just saved individually; we become part of a global family, the family of God. This family is beautifully diverse, encompassing every tribe, tongue, and nation. The vision presented in the Book of Revelation is a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-cultural celebration of God’s glory. Understanding this should fundamentally change how we view others. It is not just about tolerating differences but embracing and appreciating them. Prejudice has no place in the heart of a believer who truly grasps the scope of Christ’s atonement. We are called to worship alongside and value people who may not look, act, or think like us, for they too are part of the eternal family we will join in heaven.
Let us be vigilant against the sin of prejudice. Let’s ask God to help us recognize and abolish any such tendencies within ourselves. The atoning work of Christ is not just about individual redemption; it is about creating a community that reflects the inclusive and boundless love of God. In Christ, we have no reason to boast except for what He has done for us, and we have no grounds for prejudice. Our unity in Christ is a testament to the world of the power and breadth of His saving grace.
3. The Atoning Work of Christ Did Not Abolish the Law, It Established the Law
Contrary to some assumptions, Christ’s atonement did not abolish the law; rather, it established it. This notion might initially seem counterintuitive, but it is a pivotal understanding. Paul, anticipating the argument that faith nullifies the law, emphatically rejects such a notion. Instead, he asserts that faith in Christ’s atoning work actually establishes the law. To unpack this, let’s turn to Matthew 5:17, where Jesus Himself states that He came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it. This fulfillment is not a negation but a completion, a perfect adherence to the law’s demands.
There’s a common misconception that the Old Testament represented Plan A, the law, which failed, leading to Plan B, faith. This is a misunderstanding. Christ’s fulfillment of the law is not an abandonment but an embodiment of its righteousness. He upheld the law perfectly, something no human could ever achieve. Thus, He established the righteousness that the law sought to instill. Our understanding and appreciation of the law should be transformed by this realization. The law serves as a mirror, reflecting our shortcomings and need for a savior. It is not a set of rules to be discarded but a guide that points us to our need for Christ. His perfect adherence to the law highlights His unique righteousness and our inability to achieve such holiness on our own.
In the Old Testament, the law revealed God’s righteousness and holiness. It called for purity and obedience, which, due to human sinfulness, were impossible to attain fully. Yet, in Christ’s sacrificial act on the cross, we see the embodiment of God’s righteousness and holiness. He is both the just and the justifier. By His atonement, the righteousness of God is imputed to us, not through our adherence to the law but through faith in Christ’s fulfillment of the law.
The Old Testament’s sacrificial system, the days of atonement, and other ceremonial practices were not nullified but fulfilled in Him. The sacrificial system underscored the necessity of atonement for sin, which Christ accomplished once and for all on the cross. His bloodshed was the ultimate fulfillment of the law’s requirement for atonement. Therefore, dismissing the Old Testament and its laws as obsolete is a grave error. Rather, in Christ, we should find a deeper appreciation for the Old Testament. It not only reveals our need for a savior but also foreshadows Christ’s redemptive work. It is an invitation to see Christ in the laws and prophecies, to understand them not as abolished but as fulfilled.
Let the atoning work of Christ transform you. May it abolish pride and boasting, removing any sense of self-justification. May it eradicate prejudice and biases, fostering unity and love among all believers. And may it instill in you a profound appreciation for the law, understanding that in Christ, the law is not discarded but fulfilled, revealing the depths of God’s love and the magnitude of Christ’s sacrifice for us.
