Slanderous Reports—Romans 3:7-8

Slanderous Reports—Romans 3:7-8

"Someone might argue, "If my falsehood enhances God's truthfulness and so increases his glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner?" Why not say-as we are being slanderously reported as saying and as some claim that we say-"Let us do evil that good may result"? Their condemnation is deserved" (Romans 3:7-8)

To preach the full gospel opens you up to criticism. I know from experience. It always surprises me how quickly others are to denounce what I’ve written, accusing me of giving people a license to sin. All because I’ve written extensively on the complete forgiveness of sin once and for all.


The more in-depth I study what Jesus accomplished for us, the more convinced I am that it is radical, that we need spiritual insight to understand it and that we need to leave behind our preconceived religious ideas to embrace it.
 

Sharing as I have has opened me up to personal attacks. I’ve been criticized on forums, other’s blogs, and even my in own comments section. And the truth is, sometimes it bothers me, but the fact remains that the more in-depth I study what Jesus accomplished for us, the more convinced I am that it is radical, that we need spiritual insight to understand it and that we need to leave behind our preconceived religious ideas to embrace it.

I think this is where Paul was at. His revelation of grace was hard to swallow and still is for many Christians today because religion has taught us differently. This understanding was unrivaled among his peers so he had to constantly defend the truth by combating objections and excuses others were making.

On the one hand, he’s arguing that although our sin does glorifies God’s mercy, using this to contend that God is unjust to condemn sinners is completely self-seeking. He’s pointing out that this argument is full of holes, and in no way do the riches of God’s grace excuse us from judgment.

On the other hand, Paul had to defend himself against critics who slandered him constantly. They were saying he promoted sin by preaching complete forgiveness. His critics took it a step further by accusing him of encouraging people to sin. His response was “Their condemnation is deserved,” meaning that these accusations were completely false and utterly unfounded.

Wow! What a thing to battle when the entire time his heart was to show people the way to Christ. Here’s what I’ve found. If you stay open, condition your heart to receive insight from the Lord, especially when confronted with difficult concepts, He will reveal them to you. We also have a promise from Jesus: “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” And when you are free, you won’t care what others have to say about you, you’ll just want to share it!

 

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Original article published June 18, 2009.

Juli Camarin

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