The following is an extract from Colin Urquhart's forthcoming translation of the New Testament (available early 2009).
Paul's letter to the Romans, chapter 3 verses 25-30.
"Why should it be necessary for God to make His own Son a sacrifice? Because He had to demonstrate that He is just. He could not say that our sin did not matter, even though until the cross He had not shown the full judgement our sins deserved. Sin had to be judged because it separates us from God. So His just and righteous judgement on sin had to be executed. But instead of punishing us sinners, His Son bore the punishment we deserve. As you believe that Jesus did this for you personally, so you are made totally righteous and acceptable in God’s sight!
What have you to boast about? You did absolutely nothing to make your salvation possible. You cannot claim that you are right with God because of your perfect obedience to His commands. Your salvation is possible only by your personal faith in Jesus and what He has done for you.
We teach clearly that there is no other way for a person to be saved from his or her sins and the eternal condemnation he or she deserves. Faith in Jesus is the only way of salvation, and this has nothing to do with God’s law. It is clear, then, that He is God not only of the Jews but of anyone of any nation who puts His faith in Jesus. There is only one God and He alone can make people acceptable in His sight, regardless of their nationality, whether they have been ritually circumcised or not. It is a matter of faith in Jesus, and faith alone!"
© Copyright Colin Urquhart.