01.13

The Law Producing Accountability for Sin "Now we know that whatever the law says, it says
to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may
become guilty before God. For by the law is the knowledge of sin. (Romans 3:19-20)"

God's law speaks to those who are under the law. This would certainly include the Jews,
for the law of God was given to them in writing (first engraved on stones by God, then
written on parchment in the Holy Scriptures). Yet, the law speaks to the Gentiles as well,
since they have it inscribed upon their consciences. " [The Gentiles] show the work of the
law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness" (Romans 2:15). Thus,
every Jew and every Gentile begins life under the law.

Remember, when the law speaks, it is saying, "be holy, be loving, be perfect." The result
of all people having received this message (either externally in writing, or internally
upon the conscience) is that "every mouth [is] stopped."

What would we say if we stood before God, and He evaluated our lives by His law? How could
we answer if God said, "Here is your life; here is My law; now, give an account of
yourself." Our "mouths [would be] stopped." We could provide no excuse, explanation, or
justification.

The law produces accountability to God. And this accountability is universal. "All the
world (is) guilty before God." There are no exceptions. Everyone in all the world is
included. The law of God reveals to all humanity what sin really is.

Sin is not a cultural phenomenon. It is a divine revelation of what is absolutely
unacceptable before God in light of His holy character. "By the law is the knowledge of
sin." Man would have no insight into this matter were it not for the law of God. "I would
not have known sin except through the law" (Romans 7:7a). Murder, adultery, stealing,
lying, coveting, etc. are all revealed to mankind by God's law. "For I would not have
known covetousness unless the law had said, 'You shall not covet'" (Romans 7:7b). Through
God's law we are all accountable to Him for our sins.

"O Lord God of holiness and love and all that is perfect, Your holy law has stopped my
mouth. I have no excuse for my spiritual failure before Your perfect standard. What I have
read in Your word confirms the convictions of my heart. My life would stand forever guilty
in Your sight, if it were not for Your forgiving, justifying grace. Thank You for
providing forgiveness of my sins and justifying me, when I could offer no justifying words
or deeds of my own. As I look at the world of humanity all around me, please remind me
that they are guilty before You, until they come to Jesus as their Lord and Savior."