March 5, 2020
Romans 4:13-17 … For this reason it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham (for he is the father of all of us)…vs. 16
Paul was writing to a community in Rome that included both Gentile and Jewish followers of Jesus Christ, and he was thrilled to be able to present an inclusive Gospel. Times had changed and Gentile believers did not have to first become adherents of the Law to be a part of the Church. The game-changer was grace, a gift freely given to all who trusted God for their salvation. Grace continues to be the center for every congregation committed to walking in the Way of Jesus. Left to our own devices we would quickly degenerate into law-bound, rule-worshiping bands of exclusivists. We would see ourselves as righteous and quickly sniff out those among us who by chance fell into sin. But Paul’s Gospel was different. He knew that God’s promises of forgiveness and life rested on grace and were guaranteed to all, especially to ungodly sinners. What a privilege it is to be among the inheritors of that glorious message of love and mercy! It actually should make us proud to be Christian! We are the purveyors of good news, news that the whole world desperately needs to hear and experience.
Thought for the Day: What does grace mean in my life?
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