For it is not the hearers of the Law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the Law who will be justified.
Romans 2:13 (NASB)
Some will say that the difference between listening and applying an advice is almost the same thing because by dint of hearing it all the time, you end up remembering it when you have to apply it. This position is completely wrong. We can be used to hearing advice without ever really applying it even if we always remember it.
Paul refers to the Mosaic law in this passage. But if we take into account those who are righteous in the first part of the verse and those who will be declared justified in the second part, we understand that we have the full responsibility to live according to the word of God. It is not enough to listen to a sermon and love it because it is good, God requires of us much more than to listen and love His word. He expects us to apply it.
God has justified you by faith in Jesus Christ, it is the very basis of grace. But you must live this justification in your daily life. The only way to do this is to study the Bible carefully so that you can apply it correctly. You can ask questions to have a better understanding. It is at this level that you will be totally submitted to the Holy Spirit who will help you to be righteous before God, not according to your efforts but according to His word.
Comments