ALL WHO BELIEVE
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Opening Prayer
Thank you, Father, that you not only know me, but you care about everything concerning me. Thank you for the kindness and goodness you have showered on me.
Read ROMANS 3:21—31
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
Romans
Romans 3
21 But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.
22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference,
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
25 God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished–
26 he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
27 Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of observing the law? No, but on that of faith.
28 For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law.
29 Is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too,
30 since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith.
31 Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.
Reflect
Think of those who have helped you in understanding and living out your faith. Thank God for them.At the heart of today’s reading is something that Jesus has done, which has the potential to change life for everyone. Jesus, we are told, was ‘presented as a sacrifice of atonement’ (v. 25).
The Greek word used by Paul recalls the Day of Atonement, when sacrificial blood was sprinkled on the cover of the ark of the covenant (‘mercy seat’ in the ESV) to secure forgiveness, cleansing, and renewal for Israel. Now, however, it is not the death of an animal, but Jesus’ own shed blood that has those effects. He is now ‘the place of mercy’ where all broken and fallen people can receive God’s favor.
The English word ‘atonement’ was put together out of two simple words: ‘at one.’ Jesus’ death was enough to put us ‘at one’ with God. No more barriers, no judgment, no guilt, no fear. Just ‘at one’ with God.
To enjoy this ‘at one’ life with God, we have just one thing to do. We must believe this good news, trusting in Jesus’ once-for-all sacrifice (vv. 26, 28, 30).
Apply
Prayerfully reflect on these words: ‘The price is paid, / Come let us enter in / To all that Jesus died / To make our own / For every sin / More than enough He gave / And bought our freedom/ From each guilty stain.’*
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, your sacrifice was the only payment sufficient to buy my freedom from sin. Help me to live a life of thanksgiving for your grace.
*‘The Price Is Paid’, Graham Kendrick 1983
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