Weekly Tip #6, September 25, 2015
Three Words With Lots Of Meaning
The book of Romans is known for being systematic in its authoritative defense of the gospel as God’s power for salvation. We are justified by faith through the blood of Christ only. No amount of works will get us into heaven or into right relationship with God. In these short six verses from the book of Romans, Paul captures three (of many) words with amazing implications for us as believers.
Romans 3:21-26
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.
In verse 23, Paul explains that sin placed a barrier in our relationship with God. But God is completely righteous and He has made a way for us that is beyond any good works we could accomplish. In verse 24-25, there are three important words that describe what the shed blood of Christ on the cross has done for all who believe.
Justified – “The act of God in bringing sinners into a new covenant relationship with Himself through the forgiveness of sins. It is a declarative act of God by which he establishes persons as righteous—that is, in right and true relationship to Himself.”[1]
Redemption – “A releasing effected by payment of ransom. Liberation procured by the payment of a ransom.”[2]
Propitiation – “An atoning (make amends) sacrifice. (Christ) himself is the means by which our sins are forgiven” 1 Jn 2:2.[3]
The greatest message we could proclaim to anyone is that God made a way for us to come to Him in faith, and accept the forgiveness of our sins. That forgiveness comes through the death of Christ on the cross. He is our perfect sacrifice. We are justified, declared right with God. We are redeemed, bought with a price – by His blood. We have propitiation – the wrath of God is satisfied because of Christ. Amen!
Fall Retreat/Christmas-Winter Conference
Radiate Christmas Conference – Wash. DC
Retreats and conferences have a powerful way of building greater commitment in your disciples, seeing rapid spiritual growth, encourage sharper vision for your ministry, and builds closer fellowship with those who go with you. Often, it is a sacrifice to attend a conference or retreat with your time and money, but it so worth it. Investing spiritually into your own life and the lives of others has eternal benefits.
Specifically this week, begin to look into the nearest Christmas/Winter Conference in your region or in your specific ministry situation. Here is a list of conferences held around the U.S. Here are some excellent links to help you recruit to conferences, including how to help with fund raising. Go for it!
Talk to you next week,
Ben with Cru
[1] Tyndale Bible Dictionary
[2] Strong’s Notes
[3] Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, Louw Nida