Our scripture this morning is Romans 3:23-26.
“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.”
In the opening of this passage, Paul puts it plainly – “for everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard” (v. 23). No one other than Jesus has ever not fallen short. However, God knows our weakness and in His mercy made a way for us to be free from sin because of Christ’s sacrifice for us.
Jesus came to show us through His actions and teaching what a life in God is about and that the wonderful blessing of forgiveness can be ours as well. We can be born again, reconnected with Him and share the love we receive with the world. God created us to love Him and each other and by following Christ we fulfill our purpose.
Paul writes that God “makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus” (v. 26), reinforcing our understanding that no one comes to the Father except through Jesus (John 14:6). Our faith in Him is the only way for us to be saved. It is still our choice, but one we postpone at our own risk.
Loving Lord, in Your grace and mercy You sent Jesus as our savior. Help us to accept the blessing and the call You send and share the Good News everywhere. Amen.