In this passage from the epistle to the Romans Paul takes pains to show the Jews from their own holy scriptures that they, just as much as the heathen nations, are guilty before God. So they, too, need the forgiveness of sins and freedom from the power of sin. In the verses 10-17 Paul has shed light on their general condition, then on their assertions and their ways. Here it is a question of the fundamental attitude of their hearts and lives.

No fear of God! This is the main characteristic of sinful man, for whom God is not the main factor in his thinking and his ways. Any thought of the Creator has been put to one side. However, God is holy. He will make His just demands valid for His creature.

The fear of God means taking God's essential being and His claims on us seriously in every department of life. One has already done so. Jesus Christ, the son of God, as true Man on earth. Of Him it is stated prophetically in Psalm 16:8; "I have set the LORD always before me." That means that His life was wholly in accordance with God's mind. For that reason He was the only one who did not deserve death. Yet, when He died for us. God did not permit His "holy one to see corruption" (Psalm 16:10). He raised Him from the dead.

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 1:7). It also marks the start of the way back to God.  Everyone should tremble at the fact that God is holy and righteous, and that he himself is a sinner deserving eternal punishment. God shows all who realize this shy His Son, Jesus Christ had to die; so that they might go free.

Daily Gospel Meditation - 14th Feb. 2012