Ann – great insights (you are really digging into Romans!)
Your question:
How would you respond to an unbelieving friend who believes that good works get you saved? (Romans 3:22-26)
Yes – being drawn to works theology is endemic to religious people – to humans who want to find deeper. “See how easy it is to get back into a works-based ideology?” So True! But we have been invited by Jesus to share His yoke, right? (Matthew 11:30) This list you came up with are all things He carries with us. Sin’s impact doesn’t just go away – we learn through our connectivity with Him. And living honorably is our greatest power.
These all relate to our true identity (your insights)!
I am not guilty. I am found. I am free. I do not need to prove myself. I am loved. I am bought with a price.
I’ve been bought back, adopted. I am thankful. I believe. I am in right standing with God (because of Jesus)
I do not deserve being forgiven after all I have done and continue to do, but God lavishes his love on me. (this is why it is so breathtakingly beautiful)
I am forgiven (His forgiveness is not conditional/our rewards in heaven are tied to our choice to honor Him)
I am a child of God. I am not a slave. (Yes – a bond-servant is way different than a mere servant or slave)
I press on the upward call. (Yes – by God’s grace and His Spirit within us).
You are growing in His Word my sister!
Love, Dave and Burney
Go Deeper in Romans (join Ann!)