Upper Loft Meditation - Romans 3

This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. - Romans 3:22-24

Our tendency is to get squirmy when we hear “all have sinned.” We quickly go to comparisons for our rescue. I am not as bad as… or, if people only understood my situation… or, it was the best I could do. As God sees it, we are all guilty.

This understanding is the starting point for forgiveness and the platform to receive our pardon. This work of grace is based not on our efforts, but upon God’s intervention.

The word justified has a double meaning. It is a declaration to all that you have been found “Not Guilty”. You have escaped the penalty of the law. Someone else has paid the penalty in full for you.

It is also an announcement that you have been declared righteous, fully acceptable to God. “A man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ.” - Galatians 2:16

Therefore, we are to live not as one who squirms and fidgets in uncertainty, but as one who has been set free to live for the glory of Christ.

“Friend, you can hobble along, like a man with two broken feet, depending on your own doubtful righteousness to be accepted by God. Or, you can put your faith in Jesus, and be declared, “Not guilty!” and righteous”! The choice is in your hands.” - Dr. Isabelo Magalit (Philippines)