A Verse
Romans 3:23-24
“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.”
A Comment
Many people are familiar with Romans 3:23, but not as many people are familiar with Romans 3:24. Yet, the apostle Paul intended for these verses to be understood together. While it is certainly true that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” it is equally true that those who have placed their trust in Jesus have been “justified by his grace as a gift.”
This gift of grace comes from God on the basis of the redemption that Christ Jesus secured on behalf of those who are in Him. To be redeemed in Christ Jesus means that we have been freed from our enslavement to sin and now belong to Him. We have been purchased. We are His. We are His people. If you are in Christ, you belong to Him.
When we reflect on Romans 3:23, we also need to be reminded of Romans 3:24. While we have fallen short, we have also been set free in Christ Jesus. We receive this redemption by grace through faith. It is not by our works, but it is a gift of God (Eph. 2:8-9).
As you think of these verses today, meditate on what it means to have been purchased, to have been redeemed by Christ Jesus. You belong to Jesus. And there is no one better to belong to than Him.
A Prayer
Would you pray with me?
A Blessing
Grace and peace be yours in abundance, through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
You Belong to Jesus