In The Word
Read: Romans 3:21-31
Justification by Faith
21 But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction;23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; 25 whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; 26 for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
27 Where then is boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith. 28 For we maintain that a man 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 indeed God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith is one.
31 Do we then nullify the Law through faith? May it never be! On the contrary, we establish the Law.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Walking In The Word
Throughout history there have been amazing stories recorded of great people and their remarkable deeds. But today’s reading summarizes the most extraordinary story ever written: though every person has sinned and missed the mark of God’s glorious standard, because of God’s great love for mankind He did something wonderful by giving the gift of His Son to take the just punishment for sin. For everyone who chooses to believe this wonderful, true story, their sin is wiped away and they are spared from God’s wrath.
While God is “slow to anger and abounding in loving-kindness” (Nehemiah 4:17), He is absolutely opposed to every kind of sin. And the only payment for sin is death. A person can either pay the price for his own sin with his own life by being banished away from God into a terrible hell, or through faith he can accept Yahshua’s substitutionary death as the final sacrifice that completely satisfies God’s wrath.
Yahshua paid the high price for your salvation, forgiveness, and freedom from sin. Have you accepted this gift by taking Yahshua as your savior and devoting your life to God? If so, does your life reflect your appreciation for this precious gift from God by living holy and abstaining from every sin? Living a holy life does not save you, but it does reveal that you are saved; it is an outward display of Yahshua inside of you. Do not keep this great story to yourself, but go tell it to others.