OK, I have to admit that I am on a bit of a Romans “fix” at the moment.
I was sitting reading through Romans in Lincoln Cathedral this morning and was stopped in my tracks when reading near the end of Romans 3.
The famous verse (and the ones leading up to it) that stopped Martin Luther in his tracks seemed to have an extra excitement for me today.
I’ve always loved reading about righteousness (especially my own righteousness through faith in Jesus) but this morning it seemed “extra” special to me.
They had a real emotional effect on me, and I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes whilst reading about how I was righteous through faith in Jesus, and that this was available for every single person.
This was both exciting and sad, and in hindsight I think this was what was impacting on me most.
Righteousness, or acceptance from and right standing with God, is a free gift through grace.
As it is a free gift there are no works to be done, no hoops to jump through, no religious performance standards to pass; it is free.
And it is free to every person who wants it and will accept it (Romans 3 v 22).
That is why it is sad; sad as many people will go to eternity not accepting this free gift.
God has made this a free gift available through His grace (Romans 5 v 15 to 17).
People may say that there is no such thing as a free lunch; well there is in true Christianity as righteousness is free.
Now is that not something to get excited about?
That is good news, almost too good to be true; but it is true!
Speak this out today…..”Thank you Lord that as a gift of grace through faith in Jesus I have been justified, made righteous in your eyes and accepted into your family”.
Romans 3 v 28…..Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law
Heilan Word Ministries 