21 But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. 22 We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.
No Matter Who You Are
I love this passage. In a very simple, straightforward way, it ties the entire story of God – the Old and New Testaments together. While he doesn’t give specific examples, Paul suggests that even Moses and the prophets pointed the way to the promise of grace found in Jesus Christ (Paul does give examples elsewhere as did Jesus in the Gospels).
We are made right not by following a list of “do’s or do not’s”, nor by performing certain rituals, nor by obeying a select group of religious leaders. There is only one way that we are made right. By placing our faith in Jesus Christ. That’s it. Paul will make it clear that there is still value is setting standards, choosing to do certain things and avoid other actions, etc., but not so that we might be made right in God’s eyes. That is only done through faith in Christ. There is incredible freedom in that realization.
The second part of this passage is as wonderful as the first: it’s open to everyone. It doesn’t matter who you are. Your past doesn’t exclude you from grace. Your actions don’t exclude you. Your race, your religious background, nothing. Heck, you can even cheer for the Toronto Maple Leafs and still be offered the gift of grace. How incredible is that?
You see, my friends, the message of the gospel truly is good news. Why we make it something else is beyond me. It’s good news to realize that it’s no longer up to me to strive for God’s acceptance. It’s not on my back to be good enough for God. It’s done. It’s accomplished. Jesus took care of it. I’ve been a follower of Christ since 1982 and far too often I take my salvation for granted. Today, as I read this passage, I am once again amazed by grace.
My prayer: Thank you for saving me, what can I say? You are my everything, I will sing your praise. You shed your blood for me, what can I say? You took my sin and shame, a sinner called by name. Thank you, Lord.
The words of my prayer today are from a song called “Thank You For Saving Me” by Delirious. If you want, you can listen to the song by clicking here.
Until tomorrow.
