Justified by Faith
Scripture Reading: Romans 3:21–31 (ESV)
21 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.
27 Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith.
28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.
29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also,
30 since God is one—who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith.
31 Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.
Paul now turns to the heart of the gospel. The righteousness of God is given not through keeping the law but through faith in Jesus Christ. Every single one of us has sinned and fallen short of God’s glory, but we are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that comes in Christ.
This is the great equalizer. No one can boast, because salvation is not earned. It is a gift. And this gift not only declares us righteous but also changes us from the inside out. Faith does not make the law irrelevant; instead, it fulfills it by producing the love and obedience that flow from a transformed heart.
As we pray today, let us thank God for the gift of justification by faith. May this truth keep us humble and deeply grateful.
Prayer Points:
Thank God for justifying you freely by His grace through Jesus Christ.
Ask Him to remove any pride in your own works or efforts.
Pray that your life would reflect the righteousness you have received through faith.