Noah, Daniel, Job + Us

I usually only post on Tuesdays, but I came across this scripture and didn't want to forget it.  It refers to the question, "Is God going to withhold a blessing due to a specific sin I just committed?"  I have heard many of my friends and peers raise this question.  I myself have often pondered it, and the usual consensus has been, "Yes.  Now God will not give you something He had intended."

I'm not so sure about that answer anymore.  With all respect and authority to God, I may have stumbled on a Word from Ezekiel that conveys another point of view.  It is Ezekiel 14: 13-20 which says:

"Son of man, if a country sins against me by being unfaithful and I stretch out my hand against it to cut off its food supply and send famine upon it and kill its men and their animals, even if these three men--Noah, Daniel and Job--were in it, they could save only themselves by their righteousness, declares the Sovereign LORD." (Ezekiel 14: 13+14)

In the day of Ezekiel, righteousness was achieved through observance of the law.  God sent prophets to guide and teach the people and when they strayed, He sent His wrath in order to correct and bring change.  I and many Christ-followers are stuck in this mindset, but I don't believe it has Biblical merit after what Christ did on the cross.  

Look at Romans 3:20, "Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin."  Observing the law doesn't save us anymore.  Paul keeps writing in Romans 3 saying, "But now a righteousness from God, apart from the law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.  This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe."  And then he says something to really drive it home.  "There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."  No difference.  Mother Teresa, you and I are on an equal playing field in God's eyes.

Noah, Daniel and Job would be just as screwed as the rest of us if they did not have faith.  God has the power and authority to do whatever He pleases.  He is a just God and sins have consequences, but the Bible says that He delights in showing mercy.  Psalm 103 says the He will not always treat us as our sins deserve.  The implications of this are expressed in most of the book of Romans.  Because of this freedom from sin, does it mean we can do whatever we want, to which Paul says, "By no means!"  Look up Romans 6: 15-23 for more on that issue.  

There is freedom in Christ.  God is not up in heaven with two hands on the rug, ready to pull it from under us.  A.W. Tozer says, "When we lift our inward eyes to gaze upon God we are sure to meet friendly eyes gazing back at us."