Romans 3
...God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Romans 3:25-26
This morning I pause in my study of 1 Corinthians to use DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotional. Here, John Piper refers to the text for today as possibly "the most important verses in the Bible. God is wholly just! And he justifies the ungodly! Really? A just judge acquitting the guilty! Not either/or! Both! He acquits the guilty, but is not guilty in doing so. This is the greatest news in the world!" Piper then refers us to other text to amplify his point and to support the text:
Piper weaves this text together into a powerful summary of the gospel: "He takes our sin. We take his righteousness. Whose flesh? Christ’s. Whose sin condemned in that flesh? Ours. For us then? No condemnation!...If the most terrifying news in the world is that we have fallen under
the condemnation of our Creator and that he is bound by his own
righteous character to preserve the worth of his glory by pouring out
his wrath on our sin...Then the best news in all the world (the gospel!) is that God
has decreed and enacted a way of salvation that also upholds the worth
of his glory, the honor of his Son, and the eternal salvation of his
elect. Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners."
The gospel and what is ultimately offers is not only the greatest news but also the greatest gift.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are good and You offer the Good News - which is the greatest news and the greatest gift of all time! Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of my election and salvation. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
