Overview of: RomansToday's Reading:
Romans 3:10-31
"Redemption through Christ"
Focus Verses: Romans 3:21-24
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.
Insight:
Every human being has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, except for Jesus. Jesus was tempted in every way as we are, but did not sin. Though Jesus suffered the pain and hardship of sin in the world, he did not contribute to it in any way. He suffered the injustice and pain of sin, but did not perpetrate it. That is why God's righteous judgment has given Jesus the sole authority to redeem sinners and give new life.
Through his sinless death, Jesus has subverted the downward spiral of sin that held all humanity in its grip. All who put faith in Christ Jesus are justified freely by his grace. He has been given all authority for life and redemption, and offers it freely to all who believe.
Response and Action:
My faith has found a resting place, not in clever schemes or religiosity. I trust the ever-living one whose death on the cross has made a way for me. I need no other argument; I need no other plea. It is enough that Jesus died, and that he died for me. It's enough for me that Jesus died; this ends my fear and doubt. I am a sinner, but I come to him knowing that he will never cast me out. I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. I will put my trust in Jesus and accept the gift of redemption and new life that only he can give.
O God, thank you for Jesus who has made a new and living way for redemption and life. Thank you for his willingness to empty himself, to be made in the likeness of men, and to be obedient to the point of death--even death on the cross. Thank you for saving me from the bondage of sin. By the power and grace of your Holy Spirit, raise me to a redeemed life that is full and free and righteous. I pray all this in the redeeming name of Jesus, my Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit--one God now and forever. Amen.
Old Testament for Today: Isaiah 59:16
16 He saw that there was no one, he was appalled that there was no one to intervene; so his own arm worked salvation for him, and his own righteousness sustained him.
In Context: Isaiah 59
Proverb for Today: Prov. 5:22
"The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast."
Recommended Reading:
Recovering the Scandal of the Cross: Atonement in New Testament & Contemporary Contexts
by Joel B. Green & Mark D. Baker
