The One We Know

I’m guessing most of us know Romans 3:23. How recently have you read the verses that go around it?

With the way verses breakdown Scripture, we may not realize that the verse many of us have memorized is actually one small phrase in a much larger sentence and paragraph. The paragraph is the most basic unit of thought in Scripture. So as you read for understanding, don’t limit yourself to verses alone. Let the deeper meaning of the paragraph help you see something more.

For Romans 3:23, the words around the phrase we recognize make the part we’re familiar with so much more beautiful. Take a look…

“But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” – Romans‬ ‭3:21-26‬

I’m praying that today you enjoy the freedom of knowing, that as God forgives your sin, it is an act of justice that affirms His righteousness and empowers you to live in a manner worthy of the gift you’ve received.