God’s Saving Word: Hope
Introduction
Romans 3:21-31: Paul declares that no one is put right with God by following the Law but that, through God’s grace, all are put right with God through faith in Jesus Christ.
Scripture Reading
How We Are Put Right with God
21 But now God’s way of putting people right with himself has been revealed. It has nothing to do with law, even though the Law of Moses and the prophets gave their witness to it. 22 God puts people right through their faith in Jesus Christ. God does this to all who believe in Christ, because there is no difference at all: 23 everyone has sinned and is far away from God’s saving presence. 24 But by the free gift of God’s grace all are put right with him through Christ Jesus, who sets them free. 25-26 God offered him, so that by his blood[a] he should become the means by which people’s sins are forgiven through their faith in him. God did this in order to demonstrate that he is righteous. In the past he was patient and overlooked people’s sins; but in the present time he deals with their sins, in order to demonstrate his righteousness. In this way God shows that he himself is righteous and that he puts right everyone who believes in Jesus.
27 What, then, can we boast about? Nothing! And what is the reason for this? Is it that we obey the Law? No, but that we believe. 28 For we conclude that a person is put right with God only through faith, and not by doing what the Law commands. 29 Or is God the God of the Jews only? Is he not the God of the Gentiles also? Of course he is. 30 God is one, and he will put the Jews right with himself on the basis of their faith, and will put the Gentiles right through their faith. 31 Does this mean that by this faith we do away with the Law? No, not at all; instead, we uphold the Law.
Today’s Key Verse: Romans 3:24
By the free gift of God’s grace all are put right with him through Christ Jesus, who sets them free.
Reflect
What is at the core of Paul’s message in this passage? How many times does the word “faith” appear in today’s reading? What does Paul say about faith? What does Paul say about the Law?
Pray
Loving and merciful God, thank you for the free gift of your grace. Through your Son, Jesus, you have set me free from sin. Strengthen my faith and guide me in the way of your truth. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Romans 4:1-12: The apostle Paul describes the faith of Abraham.