January 10, 2022 -- Romans 3:21-25 -- Laying down the burden of sin

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But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith.
Romans 3:21-25 ESV

All have sinned. It is an offensive statement. It is easy for someone to say, “Well, I am not as bad as Paul Bernardo.” Imagine this, an illustration of sin that will put things into perspective. You put Paul Bernardo, a notorious serial killer at the foot of the C.N. Tower, and then you go up to the sky-pod, 445 m (1,465 feet) into the air. You imagine you are that much better than Bernardo. Now imagine the Holy God Who lives in unapproachable, His perspective—from heaven—so far above the earth—the distance between you and Bernardo pales in comparison to the view from the heights of heaven. Practically speaking, from such a distance, there is no difference between the worst criminal and the person who seems to be good.

Now see the mercy, the vast, extravagant kindness of the Living God—He gives the gift of redemption through Jesus Christ. All who call on the Name of the Lord Jesus will be saved for Jesus is the offering, the propitiation for your sins. Jesus laid down His life, taking the punishment for your sin on Himself and thereby opening the way for you to be called a son or daughter of the Living God.

Do you know you are a sinner? If so, great, because only one who realizes he is a sinner can receive divine help. God the Father has put forward His Son. Jesus willingly sacrificed Himself so that the glory of God would be displayed for all to see. If you want to be rid of the condemnation of your sin, and the gnawing sense of guilt for your sin, turn to Jesus in the power of the Spirit. For this great gift is received by faith. Ask a Christian friend whose walk you admire to mentor you, helping you along the way. Pray. Ask the Father to apply the gift of Jesus to your life. Then, in the strength of the Spirit, turn from your sin, confess it, hate it; walk in the way of Jesus. Connect with a Bible-preaching and believing church so that you have a community of believers to help you.

God of all kindness beyond deserving, let the blessing of Jesus Christ and His redeeming work be applied to the heart of the guilty sinner who is now, this hour, seeking the relief only You can bring. Who is like You, Mighty God? No one. Your love, Your justice, Your mercy, Your grace, Your patience are unmatched! Blessed are You, Triune God! Amen.

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