Saved by grace in the Sacraments - 11

 

De Maria

1 day ago

MM,

You said, "read the NT like a child"?

That goes against Scripture. Here's what Scripture says: Hebrews 5:13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. So, you should grow up. Yes, God wants us to be perfect as He is perfect. And yes, we can be thus. Jesus says: Matthew 19:26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. Do you have enough faith to obey Christ on His Command to be perfect? Do you think that if you do your best to be perfect and yet fail, that Christ will condemn you for it? Luke 18:13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

What is your calling?

Recently, a friend of mine, a Protestant, married for over twenty years, said to me that he felt called to drop everything and go to Africa to help the poor and the sick.

I said to him, "That's not a calling from God.  That sounds like a calling from Satan who is trying to destroy your marriage.  If you answer that call, you will wreck the vocation of matrimony and fatherhood with which God has already blessed you."

Coincidentally, around the same time, my youngest son said to me, "Everyone is telling me I should be a priest.  But I don't want to be a priest.  I don't know what I want to do.  How does anyone know what God wants them to do?"

I said to him, "God wants you to be a good person.  From that point on, its up to you what you want to do.  If you want to be a farmer, if you want to be a singer, if you want to be a fireman, first, keep the Commandments.  Be a good person.  That is what God wants you to do.  The rest is up to you.  If, at some point, you recognize a desire to be a priest, answer it.  Til then, keep the Commandments and do what you enjoy doing."

Folks, we all have the same calling.  That calling is righteousness.  We are all called, by God, to keep the Ten Commandments.  That's it.

If you're a plumber, and you do your best to be righteous in the eyes of God, you will become the best plumber you can be.

If you are a hairdresser and you do your best to keep the Ten Commandments, you will become the best hairdresser you can be.

If you are a Priest or a Nun and you keep the Ten Commandments, you will become the best Priest or Nun that you can be.

Whether we are Catholic, Protestant, pagan or anything else.  If you keep the Ten Commandments, you are answering God's call.

Keeping the Ten Commandments, being righteous, is our first and major duty.  Once we do that, everything else will fall into place:

Matthew 6:32-34New American Bible (Revised Edition) (NABRE)

32 All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. 34 Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.

God is speaking of idolaters

Lutero said:
2….Paul already gave a very lengthy explanation on how both Jew and Gentile have failed to meet the standard of the Law

Correct.

and how all are sinners and continually fall short of God’s glory chap 3 —

Not quite. Again, that is your interpretation. Unless you claim that St. Paul contradicts himself, you need to take into account that he also says, in Ch. 5:
Romans 5:14
King James Version (KJV)
14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.

In order to understand what St. Paul is talking about when he says, “all have sinned” we need to correlate to the Old Testament verses to which this is making reference:
Isaiah 41:26
King James Version (KJV)
26 Who hath declared from the beginning, that we may know? and beforetime, that we may say, He is righteous? yea, there is none that sheweth, yea, there is none that declareth, yea, there is none that heareth your words.

Is Isaiah talking about everyone in the world? No. Here’s the proof. It is Isaiah who is speaking. Is Isaiah unfaithful and unrighteous?

Now, lets go down a few more lines:
29 Behold, they are all vanity; their works are nothing: their molten images are wind and confusion.

God is speaking of idolaters. Search throughout the Scriptures, this refrain is commonly made. God is referring to idolaters and fools who don’t believe in God at all, atheists.

Psalm 14:1
King James Version (KJV)
14 The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.

St. Paul understands the Scriptures. In addition, there are other verses which state positively that there some people who are righteous in the eyes of God:
Genesis 7:1
King James Version (KJV)
1 And the Lord said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.

Psalm 69:28
King James Version (KJV)
28 Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous.

Psalm 72:7
King James Version (KJV)
7 In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth.

Therefore, then, St. Paul would not have contradicted himself nor the other Scriptures.

that the wrath of God was only porpitiated through the faithfulness of Christ

True. Just as Moses and Abraham had faced down God’s wrath in the breach. So now, Christ, dying on the cross, ameliated the wrath of the Father towards mankind.

and that righteousness that justifies is the righteousness of/from God (not our own)

Absolutely. All good things come from God. As the Scripture says:
Philippians 2:12-13
King James Version (KJV)
12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvationM with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

that is gained through faith in the finished work of Christ (climaxing at His death and resurrection in behalf of the guilty) and not in any work done by man or self.

Yes. Jesus finished His work. But Scripture is clear that He left for us a job to do. See Phil 2:12 above and:
Hebrews 5:9
King James Version (KJV)
9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

1 Peter 2:21
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

There are many more verses to show that we have a part to play in our own salvation and in the salvation of others:
James 5:20
King James Version (KJV)
20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

Paul, brought about the Abrahamic narrative to portray this truth. I find it hard to believe in exegeting 4:5 that Abraham is not the referent here as, exegetically, vv 4-5 is the direct explaination of Paul’s usage of Gen 15:6 in this context.

I agree with you that Abraham is included in this category of “ungodly”. But I disagree with the conclusions you draw from this understanding.

Paul, in this regard, did structure the argument to mimic the flow of thought of chapter 3 (see previous post). Abraham, though regarded by Jews are perfect, was regarded by Paul as “ungodly” needing righteousness (see note 1 and note 4).

Nope. St. Paul was not saying that Abraham was not righteous. If he were, he would be contradicting God who in the very same verse says that Abraham is accounted righteous. What St. Paul means is that Abraham believed in GOD. The phrase, “who justifies the ungodly” is a Hebraic form of speech in which they redundantly say the same thing. God justifies sinners WHO REPENT OF THEIR SINS.

Go back to Romans 2:13:
Romans 2:13
King James Version (KJV)
13 ….but the doers of the law shall be justified.

Doers of the Law are accounted righteous by God, because indeed they have proven it by their works. And let us not forget what St. Paul said about the very first encounter that Abraham had with God:
Hebrews 11:8
King James Version (KJV)
8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

Now, if you believe in faith ALONE. And I think this is what this entire conversation has been about, then you have to admit that your own soteriology deems Abraham righteous FROM THE MOMENT that God called him.

The overall context is still the Righteousness of God that justifies the wicked by faith.

Faith proved in works.
Genesis 26:5
King James Version (KJV)
5 Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.

This will not change as Paul used the Abrahamic narrative. Abraham was not put forward as an example of having “faith” only. He is the prime example of the activity of God in justifying the condemned and guilty. God is the subject not Abraham.

They are both subject. Abraham is the subject which is described as faithful:
Romans 4:19
King James Version (KJV)
19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb:

God is described as the justifier of the faithful.

Even Romans 4:18-22 serves as an extended explanation of why this justification is “by faith not works” if it is “by grace”. More importantly, what kind of “faith” that justifies. What brought about the “promise” is not Abraham’s faith per se. What brought about “Isaac” is not because of anything intrinsic in Abraham (not his efforts, not his deeds not his condition but inspite of Abraham’s failures, effort and physical limitation). It was all God’s doing all along…

THAT is Catholic Teaching. Again, refer to Phil 2:12-13

Abraham’s faith recognizes that as Abraham brought nothing to the table for the promise. And that is why, faith is the only instrument that receives the promises of God even if the present reality does not correspond to that promise.

But faith is not proven by empty words. Faith is proven by actions.
Galatians 5:6
King James Version (KJV)
6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

It was the perfect answer why “works” is not the instrument but faith. In other words, faith is the only proper response to apprehend what Christ did for us on Calvary and the Resurrection since it is the only response that enables us not to look at our intrinsic effort, ability and condition but God’s alone.

And therein is the difference between Catholic and Protestant.
Catholics are taught not to judge the merit of their works. This is easily proven by a response Catholics give when accosted by Evangelicals. And we are soundly reprimanded by those Evangelicals for that response. Protestants are wont to ask, “Are you saved?” To which we respond, “I don’t know. God knows.”

Protestants, who are accustomed to set aside the judgement of God and replace it with their own exalted judgement of the merit of their own faith, will look askance at us for such a response. But Scripture says:
1 Corinthians 4:2-4
King James Version (KJV)
2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. 4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.

But it doesn’t seem to penetrate the Protestant psyche, I have repeated it over and over and over. We do not judge our works. We leave judgement to God:
Luke 17:10
King James Version (KJV)
10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

It is a very foreign concept to you, I know. Placing complete faith in your salvation on God’s judgement rather than your own. I don’t mean that facetiously. It is plain for all to see.

Protestants judge themselves saved.
Catholics leave the judgement of our salvation to God.

It is the only instrument that gives us the eyes to see the Lord’s verdict of “not guilty” fully knowing that we are “guilty” because of Christ’s Obedience (see Chap 5) in our behalf. That faith will not waiver (as Abraham’s faith did not) though assailed at some points in our life and it will cling ever more to the promise of God that those who believe in Christ will be justified because of the finished work of Christ in our behalf and not because of our intrinsic worth, efforts and condition (3:22).

You are comparing yourself to Abraham. The main difference is this. Because of his faith, Abraham worked:
Hebrews 11:8
By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

Hebrews 11:17
By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,

Whereas, Protestants claim faith ALONE and declare they don’t have to do a thing but claim their salvation.

We’ll continue my post soon regarding “logizomai”. Right now, with all the wedding preparation, I’ll take a break.

Are you getting married? Congratulations.

Sincerely,

De Maria

Justification is by works and not by works

The great debate between Protestants and Catholics is whether justification is by works or not by works.  Protestants adamantly deny that works have anything to do with justification.  They maintain that justification is by faith alone.

Normally, Catholics, in what appears to me to be a knee jerk response, say that justification is by faith AND works.    Not by faith alone.

Who is right?  Well, I'm Catholic. So, whom do you think I believe?  The Catholics.

So, why do I call it a knee jerk response?   Because, before the advent of Martin Luther, the Father of the Protestant Revolution, some very prominent and influential Catholics also said that justification was by faith alone.

I know.  You don't believe me.  Ok, let me provide a some examples:

Basil of Caesarea (329-379)
“Let him who boasts boast in the Lord, that Christ has been made by God for us righteousness, wisdom, justification, redemption. This is perfect and pure boasting in God, when one is not proud on account of his own righteousness but knows that he is indeed unworthy of the true righteousness and is (or has been) justified solely by faith in Christ.” 

Ambrose (c. 339-97)
“Therefore let no one boast of his works, because no one can be justified by his works; but he who is just receives it as a gift, because he is justified by the washing of regeneration. It is faith, therefore, which delivers us by the blood of Christ, because blessed is he whose sins are forgiven, and to whom pardon is granted.” 

Jerome (347-420) on Romans 10:3
“God justifies by faith alone.” (Deus ex sola fide justificat).

So, in my opinion, if these Church Fathers used the term "faith alone", I conclude that there is a legitimate understanding of this term for Catholics.

Ok, I think I've muddied the waters enough.  The question that is probably going through your mind is, "What is it then?  Is it by works or not by works?  Is it by faith alone or by faith and works?

Please step back a moment and let me do the driving.  A better question to ask, in my opinion, is, "Can justification be both by works and not by works?  Can it be both by faith alone and by faith and works?"

My answer is, "Yes!"  They can both be true.

At this point, I expect Protestant and Catholic alike will quote me the old adage, "Two contradicting statements can not both be true at the same time!"  "Therefore, you are wrong!"

Please, step back one more time.  The key words in that adage are, "at the same time."  Yes, at first glance, the statements are contradictory.

Now, I would like you to ask this question, "How can it be both by works and not by works?  How can it be both by faith alone and by faith and works?"

Good question.

How can justification be by works?

Justification is by works, because God does not justify those who do not do His Works.  Only those who do the works of God will enter the Kingdom of heaven:

Scripture says:

Matthew 7:21
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

And again:

Romans 2:3-13
3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:11 For there is no respect of persons with God.12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.

I hope it is clear to all that God does not justify those who do not do His will.  God does not justify those who do not keep His Commandments.  God justifies only those who do good works.

In that sense, justification is by works.

How can justification not be by works?

Justification is not literally, by our works.  We do not stand before the Just Judge and say to God, "No need for you to do anything.  I've washed myself of all sins and become righteous without any need for your interference."

No sir!  That is what the Pharisee did and Jesus said:

Luke 18:9-14
9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

This is what the Catholic Church teaches:

1994 Justification is the most excellent work of God's love made manifest in Christ Jesus and granted by the Holy Spirit. It is the opinion of St. Augustine that "the justification of the wicked is a greater work than the creation of heaven and earth," because "heaven and earth will pass away but the salvation and justification of the elect . . . will not pass away." He holds also that the justification of sinners surpasses the creation of the angels in justice, in that it bears witness to a greater mercy.

Therefore, in this sense, justification is not by our works.  We do not justify ourselves.  We do not wash ourselves of our sins.  Justification is God's work.

So far so good?  Have I lost anyone?  Better yet, has anyone begun to understand what I'm saying?

So, let's move on to the next question.

How can it be by faith alone?

My first response, for the sake of clarification, is, "Not the Protestant way."

Protestants deny that works before justification avail anything towards justification.  But it is clear to me, from Scripture, that unless someone keeps the Commandments and does the Will of God, he will not be justified.  Scripture says:

Romans 2:13
13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.

This verse, very clearly tells me, that only those who do the Commandments will be just before God.  Therefore, good works avail everything towards justification because without them, we won't be justified.  In fact, unless we keep the Commandments and do the will of God, we will be condemned.

Revelation 22:12-15

12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

In what sense then, does faith alone avail for justification?

In the Sacraments. When we approach the Sacraments, we are like Abraham.

Genesis 15:6

6 And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

 We approach the Sacraments in an attitude of faith alone and he counts it to us as righteousness.  Let me give another example of a Church Father which perhaps will make this clearer:

"Word made flesh, by Word He maketh Very bread his flesh to be; Man in wine Christ's Blood partaketh, And if his senses fail to see, Faith alone the true heart waketh, To behold the mystery." (St. Thomas Aquinas, Pange Lingua)

So, it is by faith alone in the sense that God justifies those who believe in His promises.  It is by faith alone that we believe that God washes us of our sins in Baptism.  It is by faith alone that we believe that God seals us in the Holy Spirit in Confirmation.  It is by faith alone that we believe that God forgives our sins in Confession.  It is by faith alone that we believe that we receive the Body and Blood of our Lord in the Eucharist.  It is by faith alone that we believe we become one flesh with our spouses in Matrimony.  It is by faith alone that we believe we are healed of our afflictions in the Anointing of the sick.  It is by faith alone that we believe we are set aside for the Ministerial work of God in the laying of hands of the Priesthood.

We can't do any of those things for ourselves.  We can't wash our souls of sin.  We can't seal ourselves with the Holy Spirit.  We can't remove our own sins.  We can't turn bread into the Body and Blood of our Lord.  We can't make ourselves one flesh with our husbands and wives.  We can't heal our own bodies or souls.  We can't make ourselves ministers of God.

Those are God's works.  Not ours.  Therefore, it is by our faith alone that we are justified in the Sacraments.

Sooo, how is it not by faith alone?  How is it by faith and works?

In the sense that it doesn't matter how much we claim to believe God's promises. If we don't prove our faith by our works, we are not just before God.  Illustration:

Let's say that a man, a non-Catholic, comes to a Catholic Church and asks to be baptized.  He comes drunk, he speaks vulgar language and he comes accompanied by two women who are obviously prostitutes.  

The priest says, "Well, you're going to have to change, radically!  You'll have to repent of your sins and your going to have to give up drinking and give up loose women!"

The guy begins to attend RCIA.  But the guy never changes.  He says he believes but he keeps living the same lifestyle.

The point here is not whether or not the priest will allow him to be baptized.  The point here is that, regardless of whether he is baptized, he will not be justified.  Scripture is clear:

Romans 2:13

13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.

In that sense, it is not by faith alone.  Only those, who by faith do the works of God, only they will be justified before God:

James 2:24

24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

And so, it is both by works and not by works.  It is both by faith alone and faith and works.

Let me know what you think.

See also, Did St. James and St. Paul agree?

Sincerely,

De Maria

The concept cannot be understood without understanding the demand of the Law

Lutero says: 

Continuation:
(4) The concept cannot be understood without understanding the demand of the Law toward us. The Law is God’s expression of His righteousness and holiness such that “the Law is holy, righteous and good” (Rom 7:12; “The Law of the Lord is perfect” (Ps 19:7)). The promise of the Law is righteousness: “If we are careful to obey all this law before the LORD our God, as he has commanded us, that will be our righteousness.” (Deut 6:25). It is called the “Law of Righteousness” (Rom 9:31). The Scripture affirms that “those who obey the Law will be declared righteous” (Rom 2:13). Further, “The man who does these things will live by them” (Rom 10:5; Lev 18:5). The Law was “intended to bring life” (Rom 7:10) if obeyed in its entirety.

(5) The concept cannot be understood without understanding sin. If the Law is the reflection of God’s righteousness, sin or unrighteousness (wickedness) is the transgression of the Law. Thus, if the Law is broken the man will reap “unrighteousness” and that “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” (Gal 3:10; Deut 27:26). “Every mouth maybe silenced and the world held accountable to God” (Rom 3:20) under the Law. The conclusion therefore of Scripture is this, “Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact sin is lawlessness” (John 3:4). The demand of the Law is perfect obedience because “whoever keeps the whole Law and yet stumbles at one point is guilty of breaking all of it” (Jam 2:8). Thus, Paul made it clear that “Jews and are Gentiles are all under sin” (Rom 3: 9). In other words, all human beings have been measured through the Law (Rom 3:20 i.e. “through the Law comes the knowledge of sin”) but all have transgressed the Law (Rom 3:19). Thus, “There is none righteous, not even one” (Rom 3:10).

• 
  

  Hi Lutero, you said: 

  Continuation:
  (4) The concept cannot be understood without understanding the demand of the Law toward us. 

  Ok.
  

  The Law is God’s expression of His righteousness and holiness such that “the Law is holy, righteous and good” (Rom 7:12; “The Law of the Lord is perfect” (Ps 19:7)). The promise of the Law is righteousness: “If we are careful to obey all this law before the LORD our God, as he has commanded us, that will be our righteousness.” (Deut 6:25). It is called the “Law of Righteousness” (Rom 9:31). The Scripture affirms that “those who obey the Law will be declared righteous” (Rom 2:13). Further, “The man who does these things will live by them” (Rom 10:5; Lev 18:5). The Law was “intended to bring life” (Rom 7:10) 

  All that is true. And all that confirms what Nick said.
  

  if obeyed in its entirety. 

  It seems to me, that Protestants make a whole new gospel out of these 5 little words. Have you read in Scripture?
  

  1 John 1:9
  King James Version (KJV)
  9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

  Therefore, even if we do not obey the law in its entirety, but repent and confess our sins, we will be forgiven.
  
  Therefore also, if we do not obey the law in its entirety and obstinately continue in our disobedience, without repentance, we will be condemned.
  

  Revelation 22:12-15
  King James Version (KJV)
  12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
  13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
  14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
  15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. 

  (5) The concept cannot be understood without understanding sin. If the Law is the reflection of God’s righteousness, sin or unrighteousness (wickedness) is the transgression of the Law. 

  Absolutely!
  

  Thus, if the Law is broken the man will reap “unrighteousness” and that “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” (Gal 3:10; Deut 27:26). 

  Still true. Remember that the righteous man fall seven times AND GETS UP!

  Proverbs 24:16
  King James Version (KJV)
  16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. 

  That means that the righteous man will repent and ask forgiveness for his sins and be forgiven. The wicked man will continue in his sins.

  
  

  “Every mouth maybe silenced and the world held accountable to God” (Rom 3:20) under the Law. The conclusion therefore of Scripture is this, “Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact sin is lawlessness” (John 3:4). 

  True.
  

  The demand of the Law is perfect obedience because “whoever keeps the whole Law and yet stumbles at one point is guilty of breaking all of it” (Jam 2:8). 

  Wrong. The GOAL of the law is perfection of the man of God:
  

  Matt 5:
  48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. 

  But God knows that we are not perfect and has thus provided for us a way out:
  

  Ezekiel 18:21
  King James Version (KJV)
  21 But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. 

  All we need do is repent of our sins and God will forgive us.

   
  

  Thus, Paul made it clear that “Jews and are Gentiles are all under sin” (Rom 3: 9). In other words, all human beings have been measured through the Law (Rom 3:20 i.e. “through the Law comes the knowledge of sin”) but all have transgressed the Law (Rom 3:19). Thus, “There is none righteous, not even one” (Rom 3:10). 

  That verse is taken out of context. Obviously, there are many who are righteous. St. Paul is referring to the unfaithful and unbelieving people. The are not righteous. But Scripture refers to many who are righteous. Just one example:
  

  Luke 1:6
  King James Version (KJV)
  6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. 

  Therefore, unless you make Scripture contradict itself, St. Paul is speaking about the wicked people who do not believe in God and disobey His Commandments willfully.
  

  Regards, Lutero 

  And to you,
  
  Sincerely,
  
  De Maria