Justified by God’s Grace as a Gift

This meditation is based on a passage for June 21, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Romans 3:21-31

Reflection and Question: We will return several times this week to passages in Romans that are central to the Grace of Christ being for all. The difficulties Paul’s understanding poses to believers are still challenging to us today. Paul repeats that God “justifies the one who has faith in Jesus,” whether Jew or Gentile — or, as we might say today, black or white, rich or poor, gay or straight. He anticipates the question, “Do we then overthrow the law by faith?” Paul then speaks of the “law of faith” which includes confession that “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” When have you fallen short of the glory of God?

Prayer: Divine Spirit, since the Roman church first heard Paul’s earnest words, faithful Christians have searched for the true connection between law and faith. Shine upon us and be gracious to us so that we may live by the law of faith as You will. Amen.