Righteousness Through Faith

Romans 3:21-31

21 But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed and is attested by the Law and the Prophets, 22 the righteousness of God through the faith of Jesus Christ[a] for all who believe.[b] For there is no distinction, 23 since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; 24 they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement[c] by his blood, effective through faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over the sins previously committed; 26 it was to demonstrate at the present time his own righteousness, so that he is righteous and he justifies the one who has the faith of Jesus.[d] 27 Then what becomes of boasting? It is excluded. Through what kind of law? That of works? No, rather through the law of faith. 28 For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works prescribed by 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, and he will justify the circumcised on the ground of faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. 31 Do we then overthrow the law through this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.

Doubt Makes Sin Easy

Being the youngest of three boys, always, constantly, competing with the more talented, more intelligent, and more faithful. The way to win that game was to avoid the adversary's strengths. I trained and practiced what the brothers had sacrificed. Taunting them was fun but not good, the justification was not based on my hard work. As a younger man I wasn't a God-fearing person. I worked hard, an athlete and student, in the world of art, creating, designing, starting-up a business. In that, traveling, drinking, drugs, engaging the unfaithful to get ahead. My doubt in God made the wrongs right. A lot of poor choices were made, and laws were broken. Drunken, drugged-up rants, tasking, not asking God to keep it all coming, were common. Christ’s visibility had all but dissipated. I fell way short of the glory of Jesus. Darkness was all around.

Justified By Grace

But then, I guess I had ranted at God for the last time. God, the Almighty Creator of heaven and earth had had enough. He cracked open my soul, splitting my hardened heart like a diamond. In that display of righteousness, the crackling glory of forgiveness rang out. It reminded me that blood was shed as He presented His Son, Jesus Christ as a sacrifice of atonement. Justification, or being made right with God, is a gift from God through Jesus Christ. Clean and sober is justification by grace. It is not something that can be earned through following the laws but is received by faith.

Some of my best friends are lawyers.

Still, God took both of my brothers. Where is the justice in that? Irrespective of our backgrounds, faith
in the resurrection of Jesus Christ highlights the inclusive nature of mercy and grace and true path to
salvation, which is available to all who believe. Drilling down on the details of what I hear in God
calling, or envisioning what is before me on His path compels me to the gospels and prayer, not to the
bill of rights. I am still exploring how to get righteousness right, and right righteous. Paul’s scripture is
a load. I'm just an artist, not a lawyer. Uphold the law by addressing it in faith in God through Jesus
Christ with the Holy Spirit of love.

Holy Father,
Thank you for these opportunities to share. Thank you for including all of us. Teach us to rely on Your
word to quench our thirst for justice. Help us share your love.
In Jesus name, Amen.