February 26, 2020 – Romans 3:21-23

But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:21-23.

“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet,  they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.”  Isaiah 1:18.  As the snow falls this morning, the beauty of John 3:16 becomes a reality. 

Through His gift of grace and His sacrifice of spilled blood on the cross, our sins can be washed away, when we believe and obey.  Often we are blind to the condition of our sinful hearts. For all have sinned…  and we are freed from the guilt and shame of sin through the righteousness of God.  

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.  Romans 12:2.  Sin is addictive, and only through Jesus Christ are we able to have the strength to be faithful to our Lord.

 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness. Ephesians 6:14. 

…and are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 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. 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 3:24-26.