Our Beautiful Hope
APPLICATION ARTICLE | T. Sean Sullivan | Paragould, Arkansas
Introduction:
The Apostle Peter in 2 Peter 3:15-16 makes us aware of the fact that Paul’s inspired writings can be “hard to understand.” Among the most difficult is arguably Paul’s letter to the Romans and within that letter, perhaps, chapter seven is at the top.
That being said, if we properly understand Romans 7, in its natural context, we will embrace the glorious hope of our better covenant. Yes, there are some phrases within its 25 verses that are certainly difficult, but it is the overall picture that brings us the joy of one very special word. That word is “forgiveness.” Forgiveness is a glaring contrast between the Law of the Moses (the Old Law) and the New Covenant (the Law of Christ).
Let’s consider the beautiful blessing of forgiveness as the practical application of Romans 7.
The Old Law Couldn’t…
The purpose of the Old Law was perfect. It did what it was supposed to do. The Law, in its time, defined and directed the people of God—the Children of Israel. Their Covenant taught them morals, directed their lives in serving God, and preserved the people until all could be fulfilled. Of course, the most obvious hope of the Old Law was the assurance of a line through which the Messiah would arrive.
Even with the ability to accomplish all these things, there was still something lacking. The Old Law couldn’t do anything except point out what was “right” and “wrong.” In fact, as Paul says in Romans 7:8, that the definition of that which is “right” also provides an understanding of what is “wrong.” That “understanding of wrong” compels some to seek out the forbidden and certainly gives Satan an avenue of temptation to intrigue the souls of men. It is in that scenario that the Old Law’s greatest weakness was exposed.
Under the Old Law there was no scheme of redemption, no sacrifice that truly removed the sins that were committed. Even with its “required sacrifices” there was no true forgiveness in a present way. In the tenth chapter of Hebrews we read, “For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.”
Recall what Ezekiel 18:0 says, “The soul who sins shall die.” This death, albeit “spiritual,” was still an unbroken barrier between the sinner and righteousness. For the people of Israel, forgiveness was wrapped up in their future hope of the Messiah (Galatians 4:4-5). The Messiah would eventually fulfill the redemption price necessary for their sins to be forgiven (Hebrews 9:15-17).
The New Covenant Can…
The New Covenant is the hoped for, promised, and prophesied result of God’s eternal purpose. There were hundreds of prophecies concerning the Messiah that would be exactly fulfilled to bring this Covenant to order. There was no mistaking the arrival and the identity of the One who would come to “take away the sins of the world” (John 1:29). Jesus came to this world to be the sacrifice that we could not provide for ourselves (Hebrews 9:23-28). This was the fulfillment of God’s eternal hope for mankind (Ephesians 1:4; Revelation 13:8).
Consider once again Hebrews 10, this time verses 5 through 10, that says, “Therefore, when He came into the world, He said: “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, But a body You have prepared for Me. In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You had no pleasure. Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come—In the volume of the book it is written of Me —To do Your will, O God.'” Previously saying, “Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them”(which are offered according to the law), then He said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God.” He takes away the first that He may establish the second. By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” Because the blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, fulfilled the requirement of our forgiveness, we now have a greater hope of being forgiven by God when we transgress His will and willingly return (Hebrews 10:17-18). Under the New Covenant the sinner can be redeemed, forgiven, and restored to a righteous relationship with God.
Forgiveness is Beautiful
Paul could hardly believe that his own brethren, those who had discovered the redemption of the blood of Jesus, could ever be falling for a hopeless law of “sin and death.” When the Old Law was still in effect, it at least had some future hope; but now, it is obsolete and without any hope whatsoever. Paul’s astonishment was clear in Galatians 1:6, as he marveled that the brethren in Galatia were so easily beguiled and taken away.
In Romans 7, Paul describes the state of being under the Law of Moses and without hope in this life. The words he uses are anything but attractive. In fact, the strongest of them is arguably verse 24 where Paul personates one “under the law” and declares them “wretched” and attached to a “body of death.” These dark and looming words were to open the eyes of the brethren so they might see the hopeless trap of following the Old Law that would not and could not save their souls.
The cleansed conscience found through God’s forgiveness in the New Covenant is a tremendous relief. Yes, we still from time-to-time transgress, so sin is still a problem even for Christians (1 John 1:8), but we have the possibility of forgiveness to restore us (1 John 1:9). The value of our soul’s salvation and the cost of our forgiveness must compel us to greater dedication to doing God’s will, with self-control and a refusal to allow our fleshly desires to take charge. The eager anticipation of a welcome in Heaven is a beautiful thing, which the forgiven enjoy (2 Peter 3:9-13).
Conclusion:
We can take, even the best of things, for granted. We seem to have a propensity for discounting the value of almost everything. Yes, even the forgiveness of our sins is something from which some have walked away.
Paul warns in Romans 7 that there is no other way than Jesus and His words—the New Covenant. The Law of Moses is not an option for gaining hope. This same warning would obviously include any of the multiplying-doctrines that mislead men and take souls away from truth.
Having the hope of forgiveness is great, however, actually achieving forgiveness is far better. Do not sell yourself under any plan that is not the proven truth of God (Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 2:15). Come, bring your life to God, through Jesus Christ our Savior, and find the beautiful hope of forgiveness, and all that it brings in this life and beyond.
18.10.02 | GROW magazine
