21 lines
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21 lines
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<title>Blue Letter Bible: Day By Day By Grace — Bob Hoekstra</title>
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<div class="head">Day By Day By Grace</div>
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<div class="subhead">Bob Hoekstra</div>
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<div class="desc-center"><div class="pad2020">January 13</div></div>
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<div class="main-just"><div class="pad2030"><h2>The Law Producing Accountability for Sin</h2>
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<div class="block"><p><i>Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that <b>every mouth</b> may be <b>stopped</b>, and <b>all</b> the <b>world</b> may become <b>guilty</b> before <b>God</b>…For by the <b>law</b> is the <b>knowledge</b> of <b>sin</b>.</i> (<a onClick="return mV('Rom',3,19,20);">Romans 3:19-20</a>)</div>
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<p><b>God's law</b> speaks to those who are <b>under</b> the <b>law</b>. This would certainly include the <b>Jews</b>, for the law of God was given to them in writing (first engraved on stones by God, then written on parchment in the Holy Scriptures). Yet, the law speaks to the <b>Gentiles</b> as well, since they have it inscribed upon their consciences. <i>"</i> [The Gentiles] <i>show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness"</i> (<a onClick="return mV('Rom',2,15);">Romans 2:15</a>). Thus, every Jew and every Gentile begins life under the law.</p><p>Remember, when the law speaks, it is saying, "be <b>holy</b>, be <b>loving</b>, be <b>perfect</b>." The result of all people having received this message (either externally in writing, or internally upon the conscience) is that <i>"<b>every mouth</b></i> [is] <b><i>stopped</i></b><i>."</i></p><p>What would <b>we</b> say if we stood before God, and He evaluated our lives by His law? How could <b>we</b> answer if God said, "Here is your life; here is My law; now, give an account of yourself." Our <i>"<b>mouths</b></i> [would be] <b><i>stopped</i></b><i>."</i> We could provide no excuse, explanation, or justification.</p><p>The law produces accountability to God. And this accountability is universal. <i>"<b>All</b> the <b>world</b></i> (is) <b><i>guilty</i></b> <i>before <b>God</b>."</i> There are no exceptions. Everyone in all the world is included. The <b>law</b> of God reveals to <b>all</b> humanity what <b>sin</b> really is.</p><p>Sin is <b>not</b> a <b>cultural phenomenon</b>. It is a <b>divine revelation</b> of what is absolutely unacceptable before God in light of His holy character. <i>"By the <b>law</b> is the <b>knowledge</b> of <b>sin</b>."</i> Man would have no insight into this matter were it not for the law of God. <i>"I would <b>not</b> have known sin</i> <b>except</b> <i>through the</i> <b><i>law</i></b><i>"</i> (<a onClick="return mV('Rom',7,7);">Romans 7:7a</a>). Murder, adultery, stealing, lying, coveting, etc. are all revealed to mankind by God's law. <i>"For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, 'You shall not covet'"</i> (<a onClick="return mV('Rom',7,7);">Romans 7:7b</a>). Through God's law we are all accountable to Him for our sins.</p>
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<div class="dbdbg_prayer">O Lord God of holiness and love and all that is perfect, Your holy law has stopped my mouth. I have no excuse for my spiritual failure before Your perfect standard. What I have read in Your word confirms the convictions of my heart. My life would stand forever guilty in Your sight, if it were not for Your forgiving, justifying grace. Thank You for providing forgiveness of my sins and justifying me, when I could offer no justifying words or deeds of my own. As I look at the world of humanity all around me, please remind me that they are guilty before You, until they come to Jesus as their Lord and Savior.</div>
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<div class="desc-center"><div class="pad2020"><a href="./devotions/daybyday/01/0112.html">Yesterday's Reading</a>
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<a href="./devotions/daybyday/01/0114.html">Tomorrow's Reading</a>
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