“For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ”The righteous will live by faith.”” (Romans1:17 NIV)

           We are sinners.  We make mistakes.  We fall short of what God wants us to do and to be.  This has been going on since the fall—when Eve and Adam ate of the forbidden fruit and sin emerged.  Because of our sinful nature, Christ came into this world so that we would receive forgiveness and salvation would begiven unto us.

           This verse highlights that salvation is a gift received through God, not through our own effort.  In the Bible, specifically in the book of Romans, God makes people “right” by a legal declaration of righteousness that is received through faith alone.  A legal declaration of righteousness is a concept describing God’s act as a judge—who judges our sinful nature.  It is not a process of making a person morally perfect, but a formal pronouncement that changes their status from guilty—a sinner to “righteous” in God’s sight.  This is done through Jesus the Christ.

           Sometimes we forget this: the barrier of sin is removed, and the person is no longer wrapped in sin but has been transformed through Jesus our Lord. Paul emphasizes this in the book of Romans; no one can be made right by following religious laws or good deeds. We are made right through faith—through Jesus our Lord.  Because Christ takes on our sin and we receive His righteousness.  It is something to remember.  God Bless. Amen.

denise