Important Distraction

Romans 3:10 (KJV) As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

I don’t know how many times in my life I’ve heard this verse quoted.  Sometimes it’s been in sermons.  Sometimes it’s somebody expanding their a bit of wisdom in Sunday school.  Sometimes it’s been in conversation.  Almost overwhelmingly, it has been quoted out of context and used as a tool to force scripture into fitting someone’s theological position.

Let me give you an illustration. What would you think if you read the following sentence?

   “Mordecai pressed the accelerator to the floor as he rushed through the intersection in spite of the fact that the signal was red.”

I’m sure you know where I’m going with this, at least some of you do.  But let me supply a little bit of context, which hopefully will change your understanding of the situation.

    “As the police blocked cross traffic, the ambulance with the critical patient in the back rushed down the hill and through the intersection.”

Do you see the difference?  It’s the same way in which people interpret this verse.

So?  Keep reading.  Keep studying.  Keep seeking understanding.  And while you’re at it be leery of proof texting.