FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
Romans 3:19-26
Romans 3:23

"For all have sinned,
and come short of the glory of God."

A SANCTIFIED CONSCIENCE (6)

d. "To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin" (James 4:17). Many think that they are good because they do not harm or hurt others. However, before God, if we fail to do what is good, it is also a sin. It is good to love God and love others. It is good to be humble and patient. It is good to forgive others and to help the needy. It is good to share the Gospel with others. And there are many other good things we ought to do. When we fail to do any of these, we are guilty of the sin of omission before God!

e. "If ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin" (James 2:9). When we show respect to the wealthy, the mighty or the highly educated, while we despise the poor, the needy, the weak, the disabled, or the uneducated, it is a sin before God. God’s Word says, "An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin" (Prov 21:4), and "He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he" (Prov 14:21).

f. "Whatsoever is not of faith is sin" (Rom 14:23), and "Of sin, because they believe not on me" (John 16:9). God the Creator and His Word are absolutely perfect, holy and trustworthy with His divine authority. So, when we fail to trust God, the Saviour Jesus Christ, and His Word, it is a great sin!

g. "All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Rom 3:23). "Come short" (Greek: husteréō) denotes not to reach, miss, lack. For example, God’s moral standard for mankind to enter into Heaven is 100 points, and the best of all mankind only reaches zero points. How can they save themselves by their own efforts and good works? According to human moral standard, we may be better than many others, but before God all have sinned; not only because of our transgressions, but also because we fall short of God’s glory, love, grace, goodness, righteousness and holiness! Truly knowing God’s holy standard and our own shortcomings, we must humbly repent, for we greatly need Jesus!

THOUGHT: My coming short of God’s righteousness is sin.
PRAYER: Lord, please keep me filled with Thy holy presence.