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, 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 3:21-26 (ESV)
This Reformation Day morning, I meditated and contemplated this passage of Scripture which led me to recognize again that just as Martin Luther needed the Gospel of God’s grace way back in 1517, I need that same Gospel of grace in my life today and every moment of every day! Through the Gospel, non-Christ-followers come to know Christ as their Savior and Christ-followers are encouraged and strengthened in their faith.
So, join me in giving thanks to God that …
… the Holy Spirit-inspired Word of God that teaches, informs, encourages, and rebukes us.
… our salvation comes through our faith, not our works.
… our salvation comes by God’s unearned/undeserved/free favor or grace.
… our salvation comes through Christ alone, no other mediator is needed.
… the purpose of our salvation, and everything else is to give glory to God alone; even when we or nature get some of the glory, that glory ultimately points to the source and creator of everything, thereby giving glory to God alone.
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