March 11, 2020
Romans 5:1-5 … “Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand…” vss. 1-2
Paul realized that there was no point in hammering away at people with words of law and judgment. He’d had enough of that as a Pharisee and it had led him on a violent path of condemnation. He knew that even though he had sinned against God in a multitude of ways, even participating in the stoning death of Stephen (the first recorded martyr), he had been made righteous through his Lord Jesus Christ. As a result, he was good with God and enjoyed the serenity and peace he had always sought. What joy it must have given him to proclaim this message of grace to both Jew and Gentile! His letters overflow with passion as he carefully lays out his argument for simple trust in God. No longer would people have to fear the vengeance of an angry God! The Jews could put aside that old narrative from their wandering days; they’d been set free to embrace the steadfast love of God that had been there from the very beginning. Gentiles in search of a forgiving God were introduced to the Christ, the source of light and hope for all generations. And now it’s our turn! The Gospel of grace is ours to share as the one source of hope in every time and season. Praise God!
Thought for the Day: What gives me hope?
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