All Means All

Daily Reading: Romans 3

 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. (Romans 3.23-24)

Devotional Thought: Today’s chapter is Romans 3, “home” of that well-known verse: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”  Too often, however, we fail to mention that the same all “are justified by his grace” (v. 24).

Jesus’ death on the cross was for everyone.  No one is excluded.  Every person who has ever lived and who will ever live has been provided justification through the grace of Jesus.  Paul explains it in Romans 5: “Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men” (v. 18).

How does this justification work?  We see three things in the above verses…

·       As a gift.  Yesterday, we saw that the “work” we do to be saved is simply to believe.  The real work is already done.  Christ preceded our believing when he died on the cross and rose again.  He gave us this wonderful gift before we even knew what to believe. 

·       Through redemption.  All have sinned.  We were sentenced to our just punishment.  But God redeemed us from death through the death of his Son.  Jesus paid the price for our lives.  Our justification required the death of the perfect Sacrifice.  “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins” (Hebrews 9.22).

·       In Christ.  Universal justification is not universal salvation.  The blood of Jesus Christ provides redemption for all, but not everyone receives it; not everyone believes it.  If we are to take advantage of God’s offer of salvation, we must receive him (John 1.12); in other words, we must be “in Christ.”

Redemption in Christ is for everyone!  Have you received him?

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the gift of redemption that is in Christ Jesus.  I believe it is for me.  I receive it as my own.  In Jesus' name I pray.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 18.46-50

46 The Lord lives, and blessed be my rock, and exalted be the God of my salvation—

47 the God who gave me vengeance and subdued peoples under me,

48 who delivered me from my enemies; yes, you exalted me above those who rose against me; you rescued me from the man of violence.

49 For this I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations, and sing to your name.

50 Great salvation he brings to his king, and shows steadfast love to his anointed, to David and his offspring forever.