Romans 3:1-8 – Then what’s the advantage of being a Jew? Is there any value in the ceremony of circumcision? 2 Yes, there are great benefits! First of all, the Jews were entrusted with the whole revelation of God. 3 True, some of them were unfaithful; but just because they were unfaithful, does that mean God will be unfaithful? 4 Of course not! Even if everyone else is a liar, God is true. As the Scriptures say about him,

“You will be proved right in what you say,
and you will win your case in court.”

5 “But,” some might say, “our sinfulness serves a good purpose, for it helps people see how righteous God is. Isn’t it unfair, then, for him to punish us?” (This is merely a human point of view.) 6 Of course not! If God were not entirely fair, how would he be qualified to judge the world? 7 “But,” someone might still argue, “how can God condemn me as a sinner if my dishonesty highlights his truthfulness and brings him more glory?” 8 And some people even slander us by claiming that we say, “The more we sin, the better it is!” Those who say such things deserve to be condemned. (NLT)

Throughout his letters, Paul seems to give a lot of attention to the law, and to the Jewish faith.  We need to understand why.  First, the majority of the first Christians were Jews, and remained true to many of the Jewish traditions.  Indeed, even Paul observed many Jewish traditions.  In Acts 18 we read that Paul shaved his head following the observance of a vow (Acts 18:18).  This was most likely a Jewish Nazarite vow.  Because so many Christians were intertwined with Jewish customs, Paul often spoke of the relationship between Jews, Christians, and God.  This also led to the second reason he spoke often of the Jews – the observance of the law.

Customs and traditions are fine – as long as we know why we do them, and as long as they bring something meaningful into our relationship with God.  In this passage, Paul states that being a Jew was special, but not that it earned one more points with God than being a Gentile (non-Jewish).  In verse two he states that being a Jew was special because the revelation of God came through the Jews.

I think we can ask ourselves – what’s the advantage of being a Christian?  I can think of many advantages!  There are many Christians, who when asked what is the advantage of being a Christian, will answer with “eternal life.”  Eternal life is a great benefit, to be sure!  However, if that is our only answer – how sad!  I believe that Paul speaks to this in this passage.  Having our sins forgiven, and being right with God, should lead us into a different life here and now.  We should not remain content to sin because we are forgiven.  Paul tells us in Romans 12:1 – And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. (NLT)

Through Jesus, we are forgiven and right with God, but this of itself is not how we should show the righteousness of God (verse 5).  Let us not be content to let only our Christian traditions (going to church, receiving communion, etc.) speak of God’s power, but our very lives.  If we truly want to show others the power of God – and we should – then let it be seen in the difference that God makes in our lives this day!   

Posted by Ramón Torres