In Romans 2, the apostle Paul teaches that the Jews were confident that they themselves were assured of eternal life because of one primary religious ritual: circumcision. Their basic problem was that their confidence of salvation, that they were right with God, was in external religion.
With unflinching clarity, Paul reveals that religious efforts—however sincere, however ancient—can never form the foundation of anyone’s salvation. The only hope rests solely in the person and work of Jesus Christ—His perfect life and His sacrificial death in the place of all who would believe.
Romans 2 teaches that no ritual-no outward act-can ever bring us salvation. But rather, salvation comes only through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. It’s not about what we do for God, but what He has already done for us in His life, death, and resurrection. That’s the good news of the gospel. And that’s the message of grace.
The apostle Paul makes clear that every person has transgressed God’s perfect law and that no religious act or spiritual accomplishment can deal with such lawbreaking before a holy God. Our only hope to be right with God is Jesus Christ—the eternal Son of God that assumed human flesh to die a substitutionary death for sinners.
The Bible lays out only two possible paths to being right with God. The first is justification by works-trying to earn God’s favor through your own efforts and merits. But Scripture is clear: that path is impossible. No one can make themselves right with God by their own deeds. The second path is justification by faith in Christ-trusting not in what you can do, but in what Jesus Christ has already done.
Jesus Christ came into this world to save sinners—by His perfect life, His sacrificial death on the cross, and His glorious resurrection. Salvation isn’t found in any claim, tradition, or ritual. Rather, it is found in Christ alone.
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