IGNORANCE & INNOCENCE

IGNORANCE & INNOCENCE

READ:
Romans 5:12-21

As sin reigned in death,
even so grace might reign
through righteousness to
eternal life through Jesus
Christ our Lord. -Romans 5:21

Some people avoid going to the doctor because they don't want to find out that anything is wrong with them.  Some people avoid going to church for the same reason.  But ignorance of our sickness doesn't make us healthy, and ignorance of our sin doesn't make us innocent.

Roman law is considered to be the source of the idea that ignorance of the law excuses no one.  But the concept originated much earlier.  When God gave the law to Israel, He established that even unintentional sin required a sacrifice for forgiveness (Leviticus 4; Ezekiel 45:18-20).

In his letter to Christians living in Rome, the apostle Paul addressed the issue of ignorance or lack of understanding.  When people were ignorant of God's righteousness, they made up their own (Roman 10:3).  When we live according to our own standards of right and wrong, we might feel good about ourselves, but that doesn't make us spiritually healthy. Only when we are measured by God's standard of righteousness (Jesus) do we know the condition of our spiritual health.

None of us can achieve the righteousness of Christ, but thankfully we don't have to.  He shares His righteousness with us (5:21).  The good news about finding out what's wrong with us is that the Great Physician can make us well. -Julie Ackerman Link

Great Physicians, You know my heart.  I bow
before You now and ask that You show me
any attitude or action that doesn't please You.
Make me clean; make me well.
*************************************
God is the Measurer and Healer
of our spiritual health.

INSIGHT
Paul presents Christ's and Adam's connections to the entire human race.  Adam's act of disobedience was deemed to be the act of all people, resulting in death for all mankind (vv.12,19), while Christ's act of obedience brought the gift of life that is available to all (vv. 18,21).

Have a blessed safe July 4th weekend.
God Our Creator's Love Always
Unity & Peace