Big Buts of the Bible #1
The biggest 'but' in the New Testament, for my thinking, is found in Romans 3:21. To feel the full weight of the conjunction, consider both 20 & 21 together:
Romans 3:20-21
Therefore no one will be declared righteous in His sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. BUT now a righteousness from God, apart from the law, has been made known, to which the law and the prophets testify.
The Good News is good news because it frees us from bondage to the law and death. It gives us freedom, it gives us life. This is the New Testament's biggest 'but' in my opinion because Paul utilizes it to demonstrate that harsh contrast between a religious life of trying to earn God's favor that will always come up short, and the offer that is truly good news, God has provided a way for us. He's given us His favor in Christ. A great soul question for us to ask: Which side of this 'but' do I stand?
This concludes my countdown of the top ten biggest buts of the New Testament (numbers 2-10 can be found in the archives menu). Chime in with comments, perhaps if you think that I missed a big but that you've come across. Also, be looking for the countdown of The Big Buts of the Old Testament to begin soon.
Romans 3:20-21
Therefore no one will be declared righteous in His sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. BUT now a righteousness from God, apart from the law, has been made known, to which the law and the prophets testify.
The Good News is good news because it frees us from bondage to the law and death. It gives us freedom, it gives us life. This is the New Testament's biggest 'but' in my opinion because Paul utilizes it to demonstrate that harsh contrast between a religious life of trying to earn God's favor that will always come up short, and the offer that is truly good news, God has provided a way for us. He's given us His favor in Christ. A great soul question for us to ask: Which side of this 'but' do I stand?
This concludes my countdown of the top ten biggest buts of the New Testament (numbers 2-10 can be found in the archives menu). Chime in with comments, perhaps if you think that I missed a big but that you've come across. Also, be looking for the countdown of The Big Buts of the Old Testament to begin soon.
1 Comments:
This could be related to your recent survey on grace, yes?
By Radioactive Jam, at 11/30/2005 5:07 PM
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