GOD’S GIFT— RIGHTEOUS THROUGH JESUS!
GOD’S GIFT— RIGHTEOUS THROUGH JESUS!
But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. —Romans 3:21-25
For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” —Romans 4:3
“Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.” —Romans 4:7
But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification. —Romans 4:23
What God has done for those who believe in Jesus, who have called on His Name and is evidenced by living for Him, is truly astounding. “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.” Fellow followers of Jesus, brother in sister in Christ, we are blessed! Our sin will never be counted against us. Why? Because just as “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” so also it is with us who believe in Jesus. Believing in the “it is finished” (John 19:30) work of Jesus on the cross and believing that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 1:4; 10:9; I Peter 1:21) justifies us and righteousness is accounted to us (II Corinthians 5:21).
This is truly amazing— “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.” Our sins will never be held against us because Jesus took the penalty and punishment for our sin. This is truly incredible! Those have called on His Name sincerely seek to live for Him. There may be those who say, “why not do evil that good may come? —as some people slanderously charge us with saying. Their condemnation is just” (Romans 3:8). No, we do not go on with a sinning lifestyle as we did before we called on Jesus. Now we seek to faithfully live for Him.
The righteousness, God’s righteousness that is accounted to us comes by faith in Jesus. Being justified in Him is a gift that can never be earned. This is overwhelming to think about—
No man can possibly redeem his brother or pay his ransom to God. For the redemption of his soul is costly, and never can payment suffice, that he should live on forever and not see decay… But God will redeem my life from Sheol, for He will surely take me to Himself. —Psalm 49:7-9, 15
Thank You, Dear Father, for the wonderful, marvelous work You have done for me through Jesus. I am so grateful and may I live that way by the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son Jesus. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BfZ3KKKg9c