“25 God presented Him [Jesus Christ] as the atoning sacrifice through faith in His blood, in order to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand.

26 He did this to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and to justify the one who has faith in Jesus.”

— Romans 3:25-26

“6 For while we were still powerless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.

8 but God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

9 Therefore, since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from wrath through Him!

10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by His life.

11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”

— Romans 5:6, 8-11

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

May God’s love and high calling lead you all your days!

When a person ignores or rejects Jesus’ gift of salvation means he must bear sin’s penalty and live under its oppressing bondage without hope of eternal deliverance. If Jesus does not pay the price for our sin, we must bear that burden ourselves. Purpose in life and assurance regarding eternity rest on Jesus Christ and His gift of love. Without faith in Jesus’ atoning sacrifice and resurrection life, the grave beckons without hope.

God did not ignore our perilous state as sinners but sent His own Son to die a death He did not deserve in order to give us life we could not earn. Because of Jesus, believers face the challenges of life and the certainty of physical death with unquenchable hope. Sin’s cost is paid. Sin’s tyranny is broken. Sin’s stronghold will end. The glory of Christ and the wonder of His love bring a heart of humility and gratitude for Jesus Christ with whom we can walk in the light! What s wonderful Savior!