Redeemed by Grace

03/05/2025

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

We live in a world that thrives on performance. Whether in our careers, relationships, or personal ambitions, we often measure our worth by what we accomplish or how well we meet expectations. But when it comes to our standing before God, the standard isn’t set by human achievement, it is measured by His perfect holiness. And by that standard, we all fall short.

I’m today’s verse, Paul’s words cut straight to the heart of the human condition: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Not some, not a few, but all of us. The reality of sin is universal. No matter how moral, kind, or disciplined we think we are, our best efforts still miss the mark of God’s perfection. Imagine trying to jump across the Grand Canyon. Whether you leap ten feet or twenty, you still won’t make it to the other side. That’s how impossible it is for us to reach God’s glory on our own.

But the beauty of the gospel is found in verse 24: “and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” The weight of our failure is heavy, but the grace of God is greater. Justified means we are declared righteous. Not by our works, but by the free gift of grace through Jesus. It’s not something we earn; it’s something we receive.

Think about the word redemption. It means to be bought back. In ancient times, it was often used to describe the purchase of a slave’s freedom. That’s exactly what Christ did for us. His sacrifice on the cross paid the price for our sin, setting us free from its grip and restoring our relationship with God.

Here are a few things you can do to help yourself on this walk of grace.

Acknowledge Your Need for Grace
We must resist the temptation to compare ourselves to others, thinking we are “not as bad” as someone else. Instead, we humbly recognize our need for God’s mercy.

Rest in Your Justification
You don’t have to strive for God’s approval. Through Christ, you are fully accepted, forgiven, and redeemed. Walk in the confidence of His grace today.

Extend Grace to Others
If we have been freely justified, how can we withhold grace from others? The same mercy we receive should flow through us to those around us.

What areas of your life still carry the weight of performance and self-righteousness? How can you rest more fully in the free gift of grace today?

Heavenly Father, I confess that I have fallen short of Your glory. Thank You for the gift of grace that I could never earn. Help me to rest in Your redemption, knowing that I am justified through Jesus alone. Fill my heart with gratitude, and let Your grace flow through me to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Pastor Jeff

#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign