Romans 3:19-28 (NRSV)
Read Romans 3:19-28 on biblegateway.com
Verse 19Now we know that whatever the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. Verse 20For "no human being will be justified in his sight" by deeds prescribed by the law, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin. Verse 21But now, apart from law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is attested by the law and the prophets, Verse 22the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, Verse 23since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; Verse 24they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, Verse 25whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith. He did this to show his righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over the sins previously committed; Verse 26it was to prove at the present time that he himself is righteous and that he justifies the one who has faith in Jesus. Verse 27Then what becomes of boasting? It is excluded. By what law? By that of works? No, but by the law of faith. Verse 28For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works prescribed by the law.
Devotion
Martin Luther was cast into the pit of despair as he thought of God’s righteousness, feeling the heavy judgment and hopelessness of never being able to measure up to God’s expectations. And then one day as he studied this passage, he heard it in a new way. He no longer heard a message of condemnation and failure, but one of God's pure gift of love. It was one of the most freeing moments of Luther’s life. Yet how many times did Luther read these words before their meaning transformed his heart?
Sometimes amidst the familiar, we catch glimpses of grace as we realize how utterly amazing God’s love really is. Maybe it’s a time when we are reconciled after a bitter argument or separation. Maybe it’s when we are able to forgive someone who has really hurt us. Maybe it’s when we are given a gift far more extravagant and thoughtful than we expect. Maybe it’s when we feel accepted for who we truly are. Have you been blessed with such a glimpse? How has it changed you?
Prayer
Amazing Lord, amidst the familiar people, places and events of my life, help me catch a glimpse of your incredible goodness. Amen.