We are all sinners in need of a Savior. Paul makes it clear here. “No one is righteous, not even one.” He goes on to really expose us as downright hideous–thanks to sin. He goes on to say that we can’t rescue ourselves from this either. Not even if we follow the law perfectly. “For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are.”
It’s true. When we read God’s message to us and the “laws” he expects us to follow, we know we fall short. We can knock ourselves out trying to be obedient, but we will still not measure up. What do we do with our sinful selves?
The tone changes when Paul starts talking about Christ. God didn’t intend for us to be lost and apart from him. God had the perfect solution, a sacrifice. Jesus Christ would do for us what we could never do on our own. Nobody was meant to be left out. Our job is to trust and believe. “We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.“
Do you believe that God sent Jesus as a sacrifice for your sin? “People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood.” I am often amazed by what Jesus did for me. Why would he do such a thing? “God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.”
So what about the law? The law is designed to give us a framework to live within. Obviously the people of Paul’s day also had this question. Paul’s response to this was, “Well then, if we emphasize faith, does this mean that we can forget about the law? Of course not! In fact, only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the law.”
For me, with belief comes empowerment. I feel empowered to behave and grow closer to Jesus, my redeemer. It’s not good to have blind faith, but to know and understand who it is you have faith in. Being crystal clear on the message will help us to live as God intends. Having a personal relationship with our Savior is also key to living a meaningful life. It’s so much better to know why you are here and not have to question your purpose. We are here to love God and each other.
Let’s pray. Father, I thank you for sending Jesus. I believe he died for me so I could be with you forever. I trust you to create in me a hunger that is only satisfied by spending time with you. May this hunger spread so that everyone knows the importance of believing in you and what you have done. The obedience will then come naturally. You are my king! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
