November 30, 2020: SOAP #4015:  Romans 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 3:20 Therefore no-one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. …
23  for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans (NIV) 3:21 But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, …
24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

OBSERVATION:  Verses 20 and 23 above show the hopelessness of ever gaining God’s approval.  If God wants me to have His approval, He will have to do something Himself.  Verses 21-22 and 24 are full of hope because that is what God did!  A righteousness I could never earn has been provided by God!  I gain it by faith.  I gain a “not guilty standing” before God as I accept Jesus sacrifice as the payment for my sins. 

APPLICATION:  The more I read the book of Romans, the more my heart overflows with gratitude. 

It was an impossible situation.  The man God created and loved had become tainted with sin and could never be allowed into heaven, the holy dwelling of the Most Holy God.  The love relationship God desired with His creation was ruined.  But God found a way.  In great cost to Himself, He sent the perfectly holy Jesus to live among men and die for their sins!   All who by faith receive the sacrifice of Jesus have their sins forgiven and can enter God’s Holy Heaven just as if they had never sinned!  

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, your wisdom amazes me.  You found a way to remain holy yet allow me to enter your presence!  Thank you for cleaning me by the blood shed on Calvary. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!