10 as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one;

11 no one understands; no one seeks for God.

12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.”

20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in His sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.

–Romans 3:10-12; 20

21 Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law.

22 But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

— Galatians 3:21-22

1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.

13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

— Romans 8:1-2; 13-14

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and salvation from Christ to you.

Some people view the book of Romans as the fifth gospel book. In it, Paul introduces the gospel as the power of God for salvation to all who believe. Paul exposes that humanity’s biggest problem is all have sinned, and no one is righteous by their own merit. Though the law reveals sin, yet it cannot save. The law acts like a mirror: it accurately reflects your moral flaws and defines right from wrong, but a mirror has no power to wash your face or fix what it sees. Only Jesus saves.

Paul also presents the core of the gospel is that humanity is justified by faith, not by works. Only through Christ, believers receive peace with God and freedom from the power of sin and death. Regardless of background, all people who accept Christ as their Savior are liberated from sin’s condemnation and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live for God. Although daily struggles with sin and suffering remain, life in the Spirit brings eternal security and hope. The benefits of this salvation impact both present life and future glory unto eternity.