For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,” vss. 22b-24
Romans 3:19-24
Paul was a clever man and had come to believe that in Christ all things had changed. No longer would sinners need to battle against the unyielding demands of the Law–that was a hopeless struggle. All the Law did was reveal sin and unrighteousness! It did however put all people on the same playing field–we’re all sinners, from the least of us to the greatest. There is therefore no reason for any to boast. From that dismal insight Paul moved on to describe the gospel in universal terms. Since all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory; all are now justified by God’s grace as a gift. Paul went on to tie that good news to the death and resurrection of Jesus and said that the key to enjoying forgiveness was to trust in Christ Jesus. Nothing more needed to be done! When Martin Luther in the early 16th century realized the impact of what Paul had written, his life was transformed. His salvation did not depend on the efficacy of his confession or the purity of his life. He had been set free from the burdens of the Law in Christ Jesus and would spend the rest of his life in daily celebration of the new life that was his by grace.
Thought for the Day: Which comes first, grace or faith?
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