Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, open my ears to hear what you have to say to me; open my heart to love your word, and open my mind to understand your truth.
At first glance, it looks as though Paul is accusing the entire Roman church of being wicked sinners. That isn't quite what he means. He is warning these Jewish believers against relying on their Jewishness to be right with God, and thinking that how they live doesn't matter. His theme here is that Jews and Gentiles are on level ground.
Most Christians nowadays are Gentiles, but we can still see how Paul's words apply. Anyone who has found faith in Christ and belongs to a Christian community is blessed. That isn't the end of the story, though, but the beginning. We're called to live holy and righteous lives. We are put right with God through faith (1.17), but we are judged, Paul says, by what we do (verses 8–10).
So there's a kind of tension built into the Christian life. We can rest securely in our salvation and in the knowledge of God's love for us. But at the same time we must not 'despise his great kindness, tolerance, and patience' (verse 4); God is trying to lead us to repent.
Perhaps some are judged in this life, as we face the consequences of wrongdoing. We don't know what judgement after death might look like. But 'God will reward every person according to what he has done' (verse 6) is as clear as 'There is no condemnation now for those who live in union with Christ Jesus' (8.1). Paul is calling the Roman Christians – and calling us – to live watchful and intentionally good lives.
God, thank you for loving me, and thank you that I can rest in my salvation. Help me to live well, determined to do good and avoid sin.
This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor
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