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Romans 3 English Standard Version (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 divine 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. ²⁹ Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, ³⁰ since God is one—who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. ³¹ Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.

REFLECTION

• V23 says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. Like prisoners on death row, all people are guilty, condemned and awaiting the execution of God’s wrath. They sit silently in the miserable darkness of their cell, all hope extinguished.  Then abruptly, the door swings open and darkness becomes light, death becomes life, and bondage becomes freedom. “You are pardoned,” a voice tells them. This passage tells us that this is exactly our situation.
• Do you know how you get pardoned? When did the message of God’s grace become real to you?  What impact is it having on your life right now?
• Take time to praise and thank God for Jesus Christ.

PRAYER

Dear Lord Jesus, today I once again experience how deep and profound the love of our Heavenly Father is, and how precious Your salvation is! I want to recommit myself before You and express my sincerest and deepest gratitude: I am willing to follow You all my life and walk the path of the cross. I desire to increasingly possess the character of loving others as oneself and to reflect Your humility and gentleness. I want to spread Your Gospel and great love to more people, attracting them to come before You and receive the eternal life You have given. Holy Spirit of truth, I ask that You open my eyes to see how great the darkness of this world is, to the extent that everyone has sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. Open my heart to deeply empathize with the sufferings of humanity. Guide me and make me willingly available for the Lord’s use throughout my life! Lord, I offer my life as a living sacrifice to You, like a pure lily and fragrant myrrh, blossoming before Your throne. I want to pray in all things and be obedient, so that Your perfect will may be fully accomplished in my life. Amen!

HYMN

All We Like Sheep – youtu.be/bjOUeEpBgxs