Scripture –
Romans 3:23-25 – for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.
Observation –
No one is righteous, everyone is a sinner and has missed the mark of a righteous and holy God. We can be justified with God through his gift of grace when we place our faith in the redemptive work of Jesus. The shedding of blood by Jesus to pay for our sins when we believe allows God to be just and righteous and see us as cleansed by the work of Jesus on the cross and his resurrection to overcome death.
Application –
We all have sinned fall short of the glory of God and are deserving of His wrath. This is the bad news before the good news. But I must realize the gravity of my sin and my need for a savior to rescue me from death to life. I have to remember that God doesn’t force rank sin where some sin is more acceptable than others. With that, we are living in a time where God’s natural order is being put in question as evil is being portrayed as good and good as evil. Now the Good News, by the grace of God He offered the sacrifice of his Son for us while we were sinners against Him. This is a free gift but I and everyone must choose to receive Jesus or deny Him. There is nothing I can do on my own to be righteous before a holy God other than believe in the name of Jesus.
Prayer –
Father,
Thank you for the truth in your Word and your grace in having sent Jesus to pay for my sins when I place my faith in His name and follow Him. Let the Spirit guide to live this out and clearly articulate your love and grace to extend your glory.