February 16: Righteousness for you

For no one is declared righteous before him by the works of the law, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin. But now apart from the law the righteousness of God (which is attested by the law and the prophets) has been disclosed—namely, the righteousness of God through the faithfulness of Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. But they are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. God publicly displayed him at his death as the mercy seat accessible through faith. This was to demonstrate his righteousness, because God in his forbearance had passed over the sins previously committed.  (Romans 3:20-25 NET)

All of these words, righteousness, justified, redemption, law and the prophets – can easily seem confusing.  But this passage is life-giving news.  What Paul says here, is that you never can, nor will be able to work your way into heaven.  There is just no way that we, as sinful imperfect people, can earn salvation.  Because we are too far gone. 

The next thing is that everybody, without exception, is a filthy sinner.  Even the “good” people who have never done anything wrong according to their own estimation, are filthy sinners on par with murderers and criminals.  When God sees the selfishness, not only of our outward actions, but of our inner motives and desires, He sees the presence of evil inside of us, contaminating our souls..  So Paul is saying, “It’s a fact – you’re lost! And on top of that, you’re attempts to earn God’s forgiveness and eternal life are pathetic.”

Not comforting at all if the message ended there.  But the life-giving aspect is that God has made another way – a shortcut - for us to be forgiven and enter into His Kingdom right now and live in His power and healing.  Jesus’ death took our place of punishment and exchanged our hopelessly lost sinful life, to adopt us as children of God.  We throw off the filth of our past and become a part of His family, shining and powerful and equipped to fight all evil!

Anyone who would refuse this exchange of rags for riches would be either blind or a fool.  But strangely there are too many who call themselves Christian who would rather hold onto those rags, and insist that they’re just fine as they are.  There is no salvation for those who don’t believe they are lost.  If you think your goodness is enough, think again.  God can only “pass over” your sins if you die to your old life and live a sacrificial life for the One who died for you.