IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

Justified Freely by His Grace

Date: Aug. 1, 2019

Passage

Romans 3:21-31 (ESV)

21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

27 Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, 30 since God is one—who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. 31 Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.

Daily Bread

Key Verse: 3:24

and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

1. justified by grace through faith (21-26)

Apostle Paul argued in 1:18-3:20 that no one on earth is righteous before God by their own effort, not even moral or religious people. All have sinned and fall short of God's glory (23). The good news (gospel) is that Jesus Christ shed his blood to atone for (take away) the sins of all who believe. Jesus' blood paid the price for our redemption. Now we are free from the power and consequences of sin. Christians are "justified," that is, righteous in God's sight. This is a free gift of God's grace, given to all believers in Christ.

2. part from works (27-31)

The Jews thought they were justified before God by obeying God's law, which included circumcision. But if their obedience and own effort made them righteous, then they could boast about it. In the gospel of Jesus no one can boast, since it's not what we've done but what Christ has done that saves us.

Prayer: Prayer: Lord Jesus, I accept that you shed your holy blood to pay for all my sin and to set me free from condemnation. May my life be a faithful testimony to your grace. Amen.

One Word: Righteousness and redemption to all who believe in Jesus

Daily Bread

“i Am with You and Will Not Leave You”

Genesis 28:1-22

Key Verse: 28:15

Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

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