Bible Chapter: Romans 3

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    Everyone in the world is under sin.  All have sinned and fall short of God’s plan for our lives.  None are righteous.  That would be a very depressing statement early in this chapter if it weren’t for the statement towards the end that says Jesus came to the world as a sacrifice of atonement.  God did this to demonstrate His justice.  God is a righteous judge who judges sin.  He is also filled with mercy and gives us hope for the future.
    There is good news.  As we have faith in Jesus we are set free from sin.  The blood of Jesus sets us free from sin.  Part of verse 25 says “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”  Atonement is the covering of sin and the reconciliation between God and people.  Jesus accomplished this by His sacrificial suffering and death.  The blood of Jesus is the cleansing agent to take the guilt of sin.  The blood cleanses us from all sin.
    God is here for every person in the world.  That is amazing news.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    I can apply the hope that is found in this chapter.  The truth is told that “There is no one righteous, not even one”.  It also says “All have turned away, they have together become worthless”.  But then we have the promises already mentioned that the blood of Jesus sets us free.  When that is applied life takes on a completely new focus and direction.  There is hope.  This foundational truth is what will make life worth living.  It also makes all the difference when there are very difficult challenges that show up, when pain and loss invade.  To know that Jesus is with me and I have his eternal promises carries me through.

3.  How can I help someone?
    Romans 3:23 is one of the verses often taught in sharing faith in Jesus with another person.  We need to know that we have sinned and broken God’s law.  But, I also need to share verse 24.
Romans 3:24 NIV
and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
    We will receive the free gift of salvation through the redemption given by Jesus.  People need to hear that.  It is really good news.