Sunday 4 June, 2017

21 But now God has shown us his saving power without the help of the law. But the Law and the Prophets tell us about this. 22 We are made right with God by putting our faith in Jesus Christ. This happens to all who believe. It is no different for the Jews than for the Gentiles. 23 Everyone has sinned. No one measures up to God’s glory. 24 The free gift of God’s grace makes us right with him. Christ Jesus paid the price to set us free. 25 God gave Christ as a sacrifice to pay for sins through the spilling of his blood. So God forgives the sins of those who have faith. God did all this to prove that he does what is right. He is a God of mercy. So he did not punish for their sins the people who lived before Jesus lived. 26 God did all this to prove in our own time that he does what is right. He also makes right with himself those who believe in Jesus. 27 So who can brag? No one! Are people saved by the law that requires them to obey? Not at all! They are saved because of the law that requires faith. 28 We firmly believe that a person is made right with God because of their faith. They are not saved by obeying the law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Isn’t he also the God of Gentiles? Yes, he is their God too. 30 There is only one God. When those who are circumcised believe in him, he makes them right with himself. Suppose those who are not circumcised believe in him. Then God also will make them right with himself. 31 Does faith make the law useless? Not at all! We agree with the law.

Who is able to attain righteousness? Who can be in right relationship with God? No one can, without faith in Jesus. We are all sinners. No matter how many good deeds or religious traditions we have done. No matter whether we are apart of a certain race or culture.

With faith in Jesus who can have a right relationship with God? Everyone. Everyone who believes that Jesus is Lord. Lord meaning that Jesus (the Messiah who fulfils the prophecies) the son of God, who came and died and took upon himself our sin and then rose again overcoming sin and death forever. He is Lord over all! And for all! No one is excluded. All who believe in Jesus as Lord will be saved.

If we are made right with God by faith in Jesus alone, what do our actions matter? It’s not that the good or right things we do (here referred to as law or works) have no meaning now, but rather they are now filled with meaning. Not acts hoping to gain us salvation but rather now acts of love that we do out of the wonder and kindness of being saved by faith in Jesus alone.

Thank you Jesus for saving me. Thank you for including me, and all people, in your salvation plan. Thank you for giving meaning to my actions. Help me to live out a life of love and good works in honour of you and all you have done for me, by your grace. I love you Lord Jesus.

Written by Zoe Stewart