Sermon Snippet – God Forbid – Part II
INTRODUCTION – Last week, we considered the use of the expression “God forbid” in Galatians 2:17, 3:21, and 6:14. In the original Greek, it is as strong a statement as is possible of impossibility as decreed by our sovereign and omnipotent Lord. Today, let us consider this divine denial as it is employed in Romans 3.
1. GOD’S PROMISES STAND
We studied this point last week from Galatians 3:21. Paul approaches this matter from a different angle here in Romans 3:1-4. Since most Jewish people of the first century had rejected Jesus as the promised Messiah (and have done so in succeeding centuries), are the promises of God rendered void? Paul emphatically dismisses that foolish notion, quoting at the end of verse 4 from Psalm 51:4. David had committed adultery and murder but repented when confronted by God’s truth. This is a compelling example of God’s faithfulness in the face of man’s great and grievous transgression. David had acted wrongly but found forgiveness based on the promise of God. Throughout history, most have refused God’s persistent promises. Romans 1:18-23 is one Biblical exposition of the hardness of human hearts. However, the majority does not rule; God does. The fact that a remnant has always availed themselves of the promises of God is an evidence that His promises stand.
2. GOD’S CHARACTER IS CONSISTENT, BLESSEDLY CONSISTENT
God’s promises are an outworking of His unchanging nature. Unfortunately, some were erroneously suggesting that God was using man’s sin to glorify Himself – in a sense, promoting sin so that He looks better by comparison (Romans 3:5). Paul strenuously opposes this attempt to lower God to our level: “God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world?” (verse 6), as He most certainly will and as Paul had affirmed in Romans 2:1-16 (see especially verses 5-6 and 16). It should be obvious that we cannot do evil with the expectation that any good will come of it, that our unrighteousness can have the positive effect of accentuating God’s righteousness. No, God is Who He is regardless of what we do: “If we believe not, yet He abideth faithful: He cannot deny Himself” (II Timothy 2:13). As an old Gospel song states, “He’s God, and He don’t change.” Let us find strength in the immutability of our Savior God: “Jesus Christ [is] the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8).
3. GOD’S LAW IS GOOD
It must be, for it is an expression of His divine perfection. Paul deals with the issue of the Old Testament Law and faith in Jesus Christ throughout this lengthy epistle, including in Romans 3:28-31. Was the Law unnecessary? No, we need an objective standard of behavioral expectation. We all recognize that requirement in any society and in personal relationships. In fact, the conversion of people to faith in Christ is a confirmation of the truth that we must see our failings and flee to the Savior; in this way, “we establish the law” (verse 31), for it makes us aware that we are sinners and cannot save ourselves.
CONCLUSION – One, only One, did keep the Law with immaculate perfection. Jesus, God the Son, said, “Think not that I come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, ‘Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled’” (Matthew 5:17-18). The sinlessness of Jesus confirmed His full deity and His suitability as a substitute for us on the Cross. Fully God and fully human, He became our perfect substitute, taking all of our sins into Himself in order to pay the full price and to provide full, free, and forever forgiveness to anyone who will respond to His call. “God forbid” that we would seek eternal salvation in anything or anyone but Jesus Christ.