Read Romans 3:21-28closeRomans 3:21-28 The Righteousness of God Through Faith 21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 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. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his spanine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. 27 Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. (ESV) closeRomans 3:21-28closeRomans 3:21-28 The Righteousness of God Through Faith 21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 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. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his spanine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. 27 Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. (ESV) The Righteousness of God Through Faith 21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 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. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his spanine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. 27 Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. (ESV)
In his book, THE JESUS I NEVER KNEW, Philip Yancey relates a story that was told to him by a friend who works with the homeless at a Community Center in inner-city Chicago. It's a story about a prostitute and her two-year-old daughter who showed up at the center one evening. The young woman explained that they were homeless, had no money for food, and were living and "working" out of her car. The mother also admitted that she had already introduced her daughter to the "business" in order to earn enough money to support her drug. habit.
Yancey's friend told him, "I could hardly bear hearing her sordid story. I had no idea what to say to her. At last I asked if she had ever thought of going to a church for help. I will never forget the look of shock that crossed her face. 'Church,' she cried, 'why would I ever go there? I already feel terrible and ashamed. They'd just make me feel worse.'"
Philip Yancey goes on to point out that, according to the Gospels, people like this woman fled toward Jesus, not away from Him. In fact, the worse people felt about themselves, the more likely they were to see Jesus as their refuge. Why? What was so attractive about Jesus that caused hopeless people to flock to Him?
When we observe Reformation Day, we remember that early in the 16th century people like Martin Luther restored the message of grace and hope to the Church. It is this message of grace that has always drawn people to Jesus. Reformation Day is more than just another church 'holiday.' Its message is the very foundation of our Christian faith.
Look at some key words in Romans 3:23-24closeRomans 3:23-24
23 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, (ESV)
closeRomans 3:23-24closeRomans 3:23-24
23 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, (ESV)
23 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, (ESV)
:
+ "sinned" = missed the target, made mistakes
+ "fall short" = pulled up short, dropped out of the race to achieve God's will
+ "justified" = declared 'not guilty'
+ "grace" = 'God loves to be kind to people who do not deserve it'
+ "redemption" = Jesus paid the debt we owe God for our sins
Romans 5:12closeRomans 5:12 Death in Adam, Life in Christ 12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned— (ESV) closeRomans 5:12closeRomans 5:12 Death in Adam, Life in Christ 12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned— (ESV) Death in Adam, Life in Christ 12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned— (ESV) . How many people are in need of God's forgiveness and grace? Why?
Romans 5:18-19closeRomans 5:18-19 18 Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. 19 For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. (ESV) closeRomans 5:18-19closeRomans 5:18-19 18 Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. 19 For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. (ESV) 18 Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. 19 For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. (ESV) . How do we get out of the problem that Romans 5:12closeRomans 5:12 Death in Adam, Life in Christ 12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned— (ESV) closeRomans 5:12closeRomans 5:12 Death in Adam, Life in Christ 12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned— (ESV) Death in Adam, Life in Christ 12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned— (ESV) describes?
Romans 6:23closeRomans 6:23 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (ESV) closeRomans 6:23closeRomans 6:23 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (ESV) 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (ESV) . What gift is now available to us because of Jesus's sacrifice for us?
Romans 5:1closeRomans 5:1 Peace with God Through Faith 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (ESV) closeRomans 5:1closeRomans 5:1 Peace with God Through Faith 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (ESV) Peace with God Through Faith 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (ESV) . Do we have peace with God through our own merits? How can we know peace with Him? What does "peace" with God mean to you?
Ephesians 2:8-9closeEphesians 2:8-9 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (ESV) closeEphesians 2:8-9closeEphesians 2:8-9 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (ESV) 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (ESV) . What does this passage say about how we receive forgiveness of sins?
Romans 10:17closeRomans 10:17 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (ESV) closeRomans 10:17closeRomans 10:17 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (ESV) 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (ESV) . How does faith come into our lives?
Read again Romans 3:23-24closeRomans 3:23-24 23 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, (ESV) closeRomans 3:23-24closeRomans 3:23-24 23 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, (ESV) 23 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, (ESV) and Ephesians 2:8-9closeEphesians 2:8-9 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (ESV) closeEphesians 2:8-9closeEphesians 2:8-9 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (ESV) 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (ESV) . In light of these verses from God's Word, what would you say to the prostitute in Chicago to give her hope?
How has God's grace and forgiveness affected your life?
In what ways can you let people see God's grace present in your life?
Duane Feldmann
