Human identity can be summarized by looking at it from two perspectives. Who we are in our natural state and who we are in Christ. Humanity in its natural state is driven by its sinful nature. Romans 1-8 perfectly describes who and what we are in our natural state. It also sets out who and what we are in Christ. “For we have already affirmed that both Jew and Gentile are under the power of sin. » (Romans 3:9 NIV) In Romans 1:29-31, Paul gives a long list of wicked behaviors that are still prevalent in society today, which lets me know that we, in our natural state, we are the same as we always were. has been. There is no exception to the rule, except that of Christ. “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. » (3:23) Paul highlights in Romans 1-3 how people tried to free themselves from their sinful nature by depending on the Law, to no avail. The Law could not bring justification (Acts 13:39), produce righteousness (Galatians 2:21), produce life (Galatians 3:21), bring perfection (Hebrews 7:19), or free the conscience from knowledge of sin. (Hebrews 10:1-4). (Johnson, 1896) The fact is that God's standards are perfect and only we can ever meet them through religious act or moral behavior. The good news is that God knew all of this. He knew that in our own strength we could not overcome our own sinful nature. He sent us a perfect sacrifice to definitively fulfill the Law. This sacrifice was his only Son, Jesus Christ. “God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood, to be received by faith. » (Romans 3:25) Through faith in Jesus Christ, God's grace has been given to us. Now, rather than being bound, we are liberated. Instead of injustice abounding in our middle of paper... among everyone. From murderer to thief to liar, we are all the same. It’s amazing how a few verses of God’s word can “knock us all down,” so to speak. I stepped back and, with God's help, examined myself. I didn't like most of what I found. We think we are good, but being good is nothing if we do it for the wrong reasons, like self-aggrandizement. We lie to ourselves, but God knows what lies deep in our hearts. I am grateful that, through His love and grace, God is willing to accept me and shape me to fit His purpose. Now more than ever, I look forward to taking Paul's example and telling the world not of condemnation, but of the love of Christ. Works Cited Johnson, A. (1896). Condensed Bible Encyclopedia. Retrieved from http://www.biblestudytools.com/encyclopedias/condensed-biblical-encyclopedia/the-law-of-moses.html