From the Morning Scriptures

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 justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of the “law” that requires faith. For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from observing the law. Is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.

Romans 3:21-31 (TNIV)

Here Paul presents the heart of the Gospel. Paul reminds us of the hopelessness of the human condition (all have sinned and are unable to be in God’s presence because of it) and what God has done to solve the problem. We have been set free to love and obey God, not to continue acting as if we think we have taken his place. Beyond these comments, the text speaks for itself. Do you see Good News in it?

One thought on “From the Morning Scriptures

  1. This passage is certainly full of hope for us Gentiles–that we will be justified through our faith, and that we don’t have to be Jews/circumcised in order to receive salvation.

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