Take a moment to read Romans 3:21-31 before reading the devotional below.
Paul is asking and answering some key questions in this letter to the Romans, not least of which is, “How can a person become right with God?” The Jews thought the answer was in keeping the law. Yet they continually could not do it. The Gentiles didn’t know God or his law, but they did have a conscience. They knew on a basic level that they couldn’t always do what they set out to do. So no matter which group you are part of, you will fail. Where is the hope? Is God just continually disappointed with us, waiting for us to get it right finally?
Trying harder won’t get us into right relationship with God. But faith in Jesus will. How does that work? When sin entered the world in the Garden of Eden, death entered the world. God had warned Adam and Eve of this tragic reality when he told them not to eat from one tree in their garden. Just that one, if you eat from that one you will surely die. (You can read the whole story in Genesis 3.) Later on, God brought further order to the earth when he established a rule of law (which we could also call a justice system). Any justice system has to have consequences or it is inherently unjust — those who harm must be punished. Death through animal sacrifice was the legal requirement for sin, a symbol of the ultimate death and permanent separation from God that every sinner faced. Until God offered a way out.
Here’s your freedom for today: Jesus paid for you. Your sin created a debt — a death was required payment. As we have established, everyone sins. Therefore, everyone dies because that is what God’s law requires. But God decided to enter humanity through Jesus, and as an inside man fulfill the payment required by the law. Showed up at the court house and paid your fines. Sealed your record. Wiped the slate completely clean. Now faith in Jesus is all you need. Just a simple yes. I want to be part of that package deal. Jesus has the authority to forgive your sins, get you off death row, and lead your life in the kingdom you were made to live in. And this isn’t just for a ticket to heaven later. The kingdom of God is strengthening right now.