Devotion on Romans 3:23-24 We are no longer sinners but Justified through Christ

Devotion on Romans 3:23-24 We are no longer sinners but Justified through Christ

New International Version
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

#1 We all have sinned:

It is not unusual to meet people who say they have no sin.
They said that they committed no murder, adultery, stealing, or harm to anyone.
Their standard of right and wrong is human-based.
Based on human standards, they can be said to be good people.

However, here Paul qualified with "Fall Short of the Glory God".
So, the standard God uses is much higher than human standard.
It is God's standard and His glory is the yardstick.

1 John 3:21 AMPC And, beloved, if our consciences (our hearts) do not accuse us
[if they do not make us feel guilty and condemn us],
we have confidence (complete assurance and boldness) before God.

If we honestly reflect on our lives, how many have a clear conscience?

A simple sin is not knowing our creator God; Not acknowledging the great creation of God.

Jesus gives a higher standard,

Matthew 5:28 "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." (NIV)

1 John 3:15 "Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him." (NIV)

A bad intention in the heart is equivalent to committing a sin.
When we apply, which God will use, 'falling short of the glory of God' then all men have sinned.

#2 The Good News is that we are Justified by Christ's Redemptive Acts.

Sinful men cannot save themselves.
Only a sinless man can pay for the debts of the sinful men.

2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" (NIV)

Romans 6:4 "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." (NIV)

By the grace of God, through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, men are justified and reborn with a new life of God.

Titus 3:5 "He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit." (NIV)

1 Peter 1:3 "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." (NIV)

DeepSeek's Expansion:

Your devotion on Romans 3:23-24 beautifully captures the essence of the gospel message: the universal need for salvation and the gracious provision of justification through Christ. Here are some reflections on your points:

#1 We All Have Sinned

You rightly emphasize that sin is not just about outward actions but also about the condition of the heart. Many people measure themselves by human standards, thinking they are "good enough" because they avoid major sins like murder or theft. However, as you pointed out, God's standard is infinitely higher—His glory.

• Falling Short of God's Glory: This phrase reminds us that sin is not merely about breaking rules but about failing to reflect God's perfect nature. Even our thoughts and intentions matter to God, as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:28 and 1 John 3:15. This humbles us, as no one can claim to be sinless before a holy God.

The Universality of Sin: Your reference to 1 John 3:21 highlights the importance of self-reflection. If we are honest, we all recognize moments of guilt or failure, whether in action, thought, or attitude. This universal truth underscores our need for a Savior.

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#2 The Good News of Justification

The heart of the gospel shines brightly in your second point. While sin separates us from God, His grace provides a way for us to be reconciled to Him.

Justified Freely by Grace: The word "justified" means being declared righteous before God. This is not something we earn but a gift given freely through Christ's redemptive work. As you noted, only a sinless Savior could pay the debt of sin for all humanity.

New Creation in Christ: Your references to 2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 6:4, Titus 3:5, and 1 Peter 1:3 beautifully illustrate the transformative power of the gospel. Through Christ, we are not just forgiven but reborn, given a new identity and a living hope. This is the essence of the Christian life—a radical transformation from the inside out.

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Application and Encouragement

Your devotion invites readers to reflect on two key truths:

The Bad News: We are all sinners in need of salvation. No one can meet God's perfect standard on their own.

The Good News: Through Christ's death and resurrection, we are justified, redeemed, and made new. This is a gift of grace, not something we can achieve through our own efforts.

This message is both humbling and uplifting. It reminds us of our dependence on God's mercy while filling us with gratitude for the incredible gift of salvation. As believers, we can live confidently in our new identity, knowing that we are no longer defined by our sin but by Christ's righteousness.

 Final Thought

Your devotion is a powerful reminder of the gospel's simplicity and depth. It calls us to acknowledge our sinfulness, embrace God's grace, and live as new creations in Christ. As Romans 3:23-24 declares, we are all sinners, but we are also all offered the free gift of justification through Jesus. This is the heart of our faith and the foundation of our hope. Thank you for sharing this meaningful reflection!

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your grace and mercy. We confess that we have fallen short of Your glory, but we are grateful for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Help us to live as new creations, walking in Your truth and reflecting Your love. Guide our hearts, renew our minds, and strengthen us to honor You in all we do.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.