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Read Romans 3:21–31
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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.
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Romans 3:23-24
“Work hard and you’ll be rewarded.” That’s a popular message today that holds a lot of truth. Students who study hard are rewarded with diplomas and degrees. Athletes who train regularly are rewarded with favorable results. People set goals and celebrate when they hit the mark. But when it comes to achieving results for God, we all miss the mark. The Bible says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
Sin literally means “miss the mark.” No matter how hard we try, we break God’s commands. But God never misses the mark. God sent his perfect Son to fulfill the law for us. By faith in Christ, we inherit the perfection of Christ. By his grace, God gives sinners the eternal rewards of his Son, namely, forgiveness and eternal life. Praise be to the God who saves us by his grace.
Prayer: God of grace, remind me that I cannot achieve your favor, but that you give it to me freely through your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.