Romans 3:19-28
Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. 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 righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— he did it to demonstrate his righteousness 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 the works of the law. Romans 3:19-28 (NIV)
At least a few times in my life I have heard the question, “If Jesus forgives all my sin, and I can’t earn salvation, why would I need to do anything to be good?” Particularly as a kid, I couldn’t fully grasp the idea past there were laws or rules we were supposed to follow, and that made us good people. God told us to do (or not do) something, so it’s as simple as that.
I like how this passage addresses that version of religion head on. Then as now, people saw religious law as the only way to be righteous. Then, Jesus died for our sins, and they asked “what now is the law for?” It was there in the first place to show just how much we needed salvation. We are sinners. Every one of us, and it took the Grace of God and his Son Jesus to give (note, not earn) forgiveness. Now, the law is there as a reminder that, try as we might, we still sin. We are constantly in need of God’s grace.
My father recently showed me a post that stated, “beware of any Christian movement that sees enemies that need to be purged instead of neighbors in need of love.” I think this passage highlights the need for us to recognize neighbors, too. As it states, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” No person on earth deserves salvation more than another. We are called to see the commonalities, and we should not work to purge or exclude others. I think we miss that last part all too often.
The next time I find myself feeling greater than the person next to me, I intend to remember this passage. We are all in need of God’s grace. Every one of us. And he gives it freely. Thank you, God. Amen.
Questions for Reflection:
- When studying the Bible, what were your first thoughts on “the law”?
- Where do you find yourself defining lines between people when “there is no difference between Jew and Gentile.”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, the world regularly reminds us that we are different. Help us to remember that Your Grace is extended to all. Help us remember that we are called to spread that grace by sharing our faith with everyone we encounter. Help us spread love, not divisiveness. Amen.
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