What shall we conclude then? Are we any better? Not at all! We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin.
Romans 3:9
Paul says that all people are under the power of sin. Speaking to the 1st Century church, he uses language that reflects the domination of the Jews by the ruling power, the Romans. Paul describes humanity as being under sin, as opposed to committing sin. This reflects his determination to show sin as bondage and enslavement. People are imprisoned under sin, unable to be set free by anything that they can do. Knowing this, God sent our Liberator, Jesus Christ, The One who has the power to free us from our sins. After defining the privileges of being a Jew, Paul concludes that in spite of these privileges, Gentiles and Jews alike are under sin: There is no one righteous, not even one… (v.10). He then describes, through a series of Old Testament quotations, what that looks like. (vv.10-18) Keep in mind that God is faithful, and although we fall into sin, His faithfulness continues to draw us back to Him.
Have you ever thought of sin as being “bondage”? The Israelites were slaves, in bondage in Egypt for 400 years. Moses led them out of Egypt.
Their crossing the Red Sea to freedom is a picture of the freedom we have in Christ as believers. Imagine the scene: the horses and chariots of Egypt chasing the Israelites who were filled with confusion, fear, and perhaps even terror. It seemed a certainty that the Egyptians would catch up with them. Moses, God’s leader, raises his staff and the waters part, enabling the Israelites to cross over on the dry seabed. Jesus raised His staff (the cross) and enabled us to cross over from the bondage of sin into the freedom of new life in Him. The terror of the enemy is drowned in the sea. What sin is chasing you today? Raise the cross of God’s righteousness in your life and cross over into freedom.
Heavenly Father,
I am chased by enemies that torment me with lies. I struggle, thinking I will never be set free. As I look to Your cross, I see You carrying my burdens, my struggles and my sin.
Thank you for delivering me from my enemies.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
