April 25, 2024 -- Romans 3:21-26 -- What's So Amazing About Grace?

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. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
Romans 3:21-26 ESV

You might already be very familiar with verse 23, but look closely at verse 24, sinners are justified by God’s grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. There is a double emphasis here. Grace is unmerited favor. It is not earned. So, the word grace itself already communicates the fact it is God’s loving, patient disposition toward His people. So grace by definition is a gift. However, Paul can't help himself. He underlines it. He calls the justification of sinners God's grace as a gift. It is His divine choice to be show His people good will, instead of the punishment and wrath they so richly deserve. Grace is the profound kindness of God which draws believers back from their sins and by His Spirit working brings brings them back to Himself. Grace is God’s blessing poured out into every of the life of each one of His people.

When you know the kindness of God and even so have chosen to rebel, and the Spirit makes you aware of your sinfulness, so that you turn from it and run back to God. That is grace.

When you review all your sins, know all your weaknesses, and realize there isn’t anything in you that could ever commend you to God, yet the Word of God teaches you He has set His love on you. That is grace.

When you strive to do good, and your work and words fall short, but the Spirit teaches you that God is not frowning in heaven, but by the blood of Jesus Christ you are wearing the good works of Jesus as your mantle, that is grace.

Grace is the blessing of God, given constantly, steadily, unstintingly, on your life.

Grace is communicated to you by the Spirit’s powerful presence in your life, through the preaching of the Gospel, and the Lord’s Supper and baptism. Grace is communicated to you where there is Christian discipline unto repentance exercised in your local Christian church.

Our Father in heaven may Your Name be honoured and adored forever—on earth as in heaven above. Thank You for the free gift of Your amazing grace given to Your people through Jesus Christ. Father in heaven let Your Spirit hold us by the spout where Your grace continually pours out and the kingdom of Christ is all about us. Amen.

https://youtu.be/ZoJz2SANTyo?si=or9lzjYx117FgnpI Soweto Gospel Choir — Amazing Grace

Copyright © 2024 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.