This week in my Bible reading, I have been studying the book of Romans. It is a rich feast of God’s grace, mercy, and love toward sinners. With a heavy longing to hear from the Lord, I came to Romans 3. My soul felt sapped. My mind was sleepy. I longed for Jesus to refresh my wandering heart and capture my distracted gaze.
To just focus on Him.
Then I read Romans 3:21-26 (NIV):
But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
There is no sweeter truth than this. The Lord in His kindness lifted my eyes once again upon the cross of Christ. This glorious, great exchange —my sin laid upon Christ; Christ’s righteousness given to me.
God is both just and justifier. His wrath burns against sin which must be dealt with because He is holy and pure. Yet, in love, He poured that wrath upon Christ, His Son whom He loved. They are one. This was always the plan of redemption for God’s people. The Lord is mighty to save. He alone saves. We are grafted into this union between Father, Son and Spirit because of the wonder and majesty of the cross. We become children of God. Adopted forever into love itself.
Because of Jesus, we can be set free from the power of sin and death. We can be reconciled to Him for eternity. God knows the very worst things about us. He knows what we have done. He knows all of the sin we will ever do. Yet, Christ died for us whilst we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). There is nothing that we can do to earn our way or win favour with God. Jesus paid the price that our sin demanded because He loved us.
What more is there to say?
My plea is to point you to Jesus once again. Just like I was in my quiet desperation, in need of refreshment from my Redeemer. Come to Jesus. No matter the darkness that surrounds you. No matter the sin that entangles. No matter the doubts, fears, or anger you feel. No matter how many times you have slipped up in the past. No matter the false belief that you are sufficient without a Saviour.
Whoever you are, come to Jesus by faith. Let Jesus be the object of that faith. It is not blind faith. It is faith built upon the Rock of Ages. Without Jesus, you are dead already. Dead in sin with an appointed time to die. Yet, Christ is risen. And because Christ is risen, there is hope for you. Today, tomorrow, and into eternity. Put your faith in the living Christ who died for you, who rose again, who ascended into heaven, and who will return again. If you are unsure, call out to Him. Seek Him. He will not turn you away.
If you do trust in Jesus, but your faith is weak and you are weary, remember this. It’s not the size of your faith, but how great your God is to uphold you. He promises to be with you always. He will not let anyone or anything snatch you out of His hands (John 10:28).
Ruth Clemence 