Romans 3:23-25a

PASSAGE: Romans 3:23-25a - ...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith.

PAUSE: It does no good to compare yourself against other people before our holy God. It is His holy standard of righteousness that we all fall short of! It’s like five people trying to jump across the Grand Canyon. Some may jump a little farther than others, but they all fall short of clearing the jump. Our only hope of rescue is Jesus! So, the perfect Son of God gave His life as an atoning sacrifice (“propitiation”) for the sins of the world. By that act of love a purchased back sinners to God. (“redemption”). Based on the completed work of Christ on the cross God offers us pardon for sin (“justification”) as a free gift (paid in full by Christ!) of grace (lit. unmerited favor”). This does not mean that all people are saved. God’s gift of salvation must be “received by faith.”

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, it is true! I fail in a thousand different ways to live a life on my own that measures up to Your holy goodness! I see that I could never earn my way into a right standing with You! Jesus, You are my only Hope!Amen.