Diane Levy
For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Romans 3:23 NLT
I wish it weren’t true, but I admit that I am a sinner. I am a lawbreaker. I have failed to keep the laws of God. I have not always lived a life that brings glory to God. However, there is hope for me. Read the next verses:
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. Romans 3:24-26 NIV
We have nothing to offer God to atone for our waywardness and rebellion against Him. Jesus has given us the gift of Salvation. What does it take to receive the free gift of Salvation? A gift does not require payment. It is a gift.
Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of the law that requires faith. Romans 3:27 NIV
Faith is the way we receive the gift of Salvation. Justification and righteousness come by faith. Justification by faith is the work that God is doing for us. We don’t have the power in ourselves. Submitting to Him daily gives us the power that grows our faith.
–Diane (blog.peacebewithu.org)
