3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

5 However, to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness.

16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may rest on grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.

— Romans 4:3, 5, 16

1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

— Romans 5:1-2

To this end we labor and strive, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of everyone, and especially of those who believe.

— 1 Timothy 4:10

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and love from Christ to you.

What makes God’s gospel preached by Paul so radical is its universality. The Roman Empire with all its wealth, power, and knowledge couldn’t offer true hope or salvation but here Paul offers a message that transcends culture, language, and class, and brings salvation to everyone who believes. In the world where people are constantly seeking ways to improve, achieve and earn worth, Paul’s gospel turns the tables. Salvation isn’t something we work for. It’s a gift we received through faith.

Have you ever felt like you had to earn God‘s approval to somehow prove that you’re good enough for His love? The gospel shatters that mindset. Paul’s messages is clear there’s nothing we can do to earn God‘s love. He loved us first and He made a way for us when we couldn’t make a way for ourselves. This is why Paul is unashamed of the gospel. It’s not based on human effort or social status. It’s a divine gift rooted in God‘s grace given freely to all who will accept it.