At Last, the Good News!
Opening Prayer
Lord Jesus, help me to be real about my own sin and to deepen my delight in the salvation You’ve provided.
Read ROMANS 3:21-31
[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. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
Where does righteousness before God come from?Relationship to the Law was one of the issues that left the Jews feeling superior to the Gentiles. Imagine, then, the sense of relief for Gentiles, and the challenge for Jews, as Paul outlines a way for rightness with God—apart from the Law!
Just as sin is universal so, also, is the offer of salvation in Jesus Christ. Jew and Gentile alike (therefore the whole of humanity) can be made right with God through faith in Christ. Background, race, gender, nationality, socio-economic group, status all make no difference to how someone is reconciled to God.
Jesus’ blood was shed so that God’s justice would be seen. Paul’s mind is captivated by the sheer consistency and integrity of God’s character. As the song “Here is love” puts it: “Heaven’s peace and perfect justice, Kissed a guilty world in love” (William Rees). Ponder the question, “Why did Jesus have to die?” How does this passage help you deepen your understanding of Christ’s sacrifice? Does it strengthen your faith in him? Does your heart soar at the words “those who have faith in Jesus” (22,26)?
Apply
Pose to yourself those questions in the paragraph above. Thank God as your heart and mind soar in gratitude.
Closing prayer
Gracious Lord, I thank You that Your salvation is freely offered to me and everyone. May I never take it for granted.
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