But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.  God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

— Romans 3:21-26

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“When in Rome, Think on This”

By Jennifer Kane

We stumble forward, knowing

we fall short, reaching for a law

we cannot fulfill.

The heart bears the mark of sin,

and in our own strength,

the chasm is too wide.

No one stands whole or pure—

each step, another reminder

of our own limits.

We see the distance,

our frailty,

and bow low.

Yet grace pours out, boundless,

a gift freely given,

unearned.

Through faith alone, we are lifted,

brought close to light

that we could not find on our own.

He bore the weight,

the pain, the loss.

His blood washed away the stain,

Love’s gift, full and complete,

so that we could know

freedom,

and the weight lifted.

In Christ, the law holds true—

yet mercy overcomes wrath.

He is both just and justifier,

the hand that holds us steady,

lifting us to look

into His eyes.

To the God who saves,

to the One who makes us whole,

be all the glory.

Let every voice rise in gratitude,

faith, hope, and grace,

a song that echoes

forever.

~~~~~

In the previous verses, Paul made clear that human effort and the law alone can never bring salvation. Romans 3:22 introduces us to a “righteousness of God” given freely “through faith in Jesus Christ.” This righteousness is separate from the law; it doesn’t require us to meet impossible standards. Instead, it is a gift that we receive by trusting in Jesus.

Faith in Jesus isn’t about “doing” or “earning” — it is receiving. We believe in the finished work of Jesus, who came to be our substitute and took upon Himself the punishment we deserved. We don’t add to our salvation by trying harder or being “good enough.” This righteousness is perfect because Jesus, who knew no sin, became sin on our behalf, so that in Him, we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Verse 23 reminds us that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” It doesn’t matter if we think of ourselves as “good people” compared to others; in God’s eyes, we all miss the mark. This humbles us and reminds us that righteousness isn’t something we earn but something we receive.

Paul explains that we are “justified freely by His grace.” This justification is not earned or paid for by our efforts; it’s given without cost, purely out of God’s love and mercy. We might try to be “good enough” in our lives, but grace teaches us that God’s love and mercy are already sufficient.

The concept of “propitiation” in verse 25 highlights that Jesus, through His blood, served as the atoning sacrifice, bridging the gap between our sin and God’s holiness. Jesus’ sacrifice doesn’t just cover our sins but removes them entirely, satisfying the requirements of a holy God. At the cross, God’s justice met His mercy, creating a path for us to be forgiven and free.

Paul concludes by emphasizing that God remains just, even as He justifies us. He did not overlook our sins but addressed them fully in Jesus. The cross upholds God’s justice while opening the door to His mercy, so we can be declared “not guilty” without compromising His holiness.

Reflect on how easy it is to believe we need to “earn” God’s love or approval. But salvation is not a “reward” for being good; it’s a gift of grace. So today just meditate on simply receiving God’s love through faith. Spend time in prayer, thanking Jesus for His perfect sacrifice and asking Him to help you live out this grace in your life.

~~~~~

Father, thank You for the incredible gift of grace and for the righteousness You freely offer through faith in Jesus. I confess that I fall short, that I cannot reach You by my own strength, and that I am utterly dependent on Your mercy. Yet, in love, You reached down to me through Jesus, covering my sins with His perfect sacrifice and calling me Your own. I am humbled and grateful, Lord, that You, in Your holiness, would draw near to someone as imperfect as I am.

Help me to live each day in the light of Your grace, to walk not in striving or in fear of failing, but in the assurance of Your love. Teach me to rest in the truth that Your love is unearned and unchanging, and that I am held secure by Your grace. Show me how to extend this grace to others, that they too might know the freedom and peace You give.

Thank You for the cross, where Your justice and mercy met, and for the blood of Christ that covers me completely. May my life be a song of gratitude and praise to You, reflecting the wonder of Your forgiveness and love. Shape my heart to trust more deeply in Your finished work, so that in all I do, Your name may be glorified. In Jesus’ precious name, I pray, Amen.

November 7 2024