“The Courtroom” = Romans 3
When observing a diamond, it is customary for a jeweler to place it on a black felt surface for the customer to see all of its beauty and intricacies. That is exactly what Paul does in the first three chapters of Romans. Chapters 1 & 2 are very grim and dark - everyone has sinned, the world is progressively evil, and our situation is seemingly incurable. But then in chapter 3 he places a "diamond" called "the Gospel" on that black backdrop and we see a blinding light of hope and future. Jesus steps into the courtroom and offers to take our place and punishment before the Judge of the Universe. We see now that the only thing we can do to be saved is simply trust that Jesus' sacrifice is enough to forgive our sins.
Reflection Questions:
1. How does it make you feel that no matter how many "good works" we do, we can never be "good enough" before God?
2. How does it make you feel that all your sins can be forgiven for FREE by trusting in Jesus' sacrifice & resurrection?
3. If God is willing to forgive you of a lifetime of crimes against Him, how should we treat others who wrong us?