Reading verses out of context is not a good idea; we can lose the meaning of the passage by not reading the whole thing.
Take Romans 3 v 23 for example.
On its own this is not a very encouraging verse, saying that we have all sinned and come short of the standards expected by God.
Just reading that may make you think that God is upset with you or has not accepted you because of that sin.
This does not sound like good news, yet it becomes great news if we read the verse before and after it!
If we believe and have faith in Jesus then we have been made righteous by God (Romans 3 v 22).
Because of this we have been justified (set free or made righteous) and redeemed (had the ransom paid in full) through faith in the finished work (Romans 3 v 24).
This is the Gospel, the good news, that because of the finished work of Jesus Christ our sin is not an issue for God anymore.
Yes, we have sinned, and yes we will sin, however all sin has been paid for by Jesus (1 John 2 v 2).
All men need faith in Jesus as all men have sinned, that is what Romans 3 v 23 is saying.
But once you accept Jesus sin is not an issue for God.
Yes we once were sinners and caught in the trap of sin, now as a gift of grace through faith we are saints and prisoners of righteousness.
Speak this out today…..”Thank you Lord for the finished work of Jesus Christ, and thank you that I am redeemed, justified and made righteous”.
Romans 3 v 24…..For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God
Heilan Word Ministries 