Romans 3:23-24 - For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

In this passage from Romans, Paul makes it clear that every single person has sinned and fallen short of God's perfect standard. There are no exceptions. All people, regardless of background, culture, or deeds, are sinners before a holy God. Our good works cannot measure up to His flawless righteousness. The wages of sin is death, separation from God. But the free gift of God is eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. Though we were dead in our sins, Christ died for us and made a way for us to be forgiven, redeemed, and justified before God. It is only by God's grace, His undeserved favor, that this justification is possible. We cannot earn it through good behavior, ritual, or moral living. It is a gift received by faith in what Jesus accomplished for us on the cross.

This passage is both sobering and incredibly hopeful. On one hand, it forces me to confront the darkness of my own sin. I have sinned, there's no question about it. I have lied, lusted, been selfish, harbored bitterness, and failed to love God or others as I ought. I fall so short of God's standard, and I'm reminded through this passage that my good deeds don't outweigh my sins before a holy God. But the hope is that though I am a sinner, Christ died for sinners like me. By God's grace alone, through faith alone, the righteousness of Christ is credited to me. I don't have to wallow in guilt and shame over my failures and shortcomings. I can freely receive the justification that Jesus secured for me on the cross. This is incredibly humbling and so amazing! I don't deserve this justification, but God gives it freely to all who believe in His Son. What an awesome, merciful God we serve.

Lord Jesus, thank You for confronting me with the depth of my sin through Your Word. Help me fully understand just how far short I fall of Your righteousness. I know I can never measure up through my own effort. I need Your grace. Thank You for dying in my place, for taking my punishment, so that I could be freely justified before God. I don't deserve this amazing gift, but I receive it with joy and gratitude. Please continue to grow me in holiness by the power of Your Spirit living in me. Conform me more and more to Your image each day. I praise You for the wonder of being declared righteous before God by faith in You alone. Amen.