Verse of the Day (April 13, 2020)

Verse of the Day (April 13, 2020) #BMSeminary – If previous verses might lead to despair, Paul now sets forth grounds for rejoicing. What Abraham set his hope on by faith, so that God granted him a righteous standing (Gen. 15:6), Jesus Christ has accomplished “for all who believe” the gospel promise as Abraham did (Rom. 3:22). Yes, the sinful human condition is universal and terminal (v. 23). But believers “are justified” by God’s “grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (v. 24). The term “redemption” suggests a picture of slaves being purchased and freed. God sent his Son to be a “propitiation”: he satisfied the demands of God’s wrath by his death on the cross in the place of sinners. When he “passed over former sins” (v. 25) prior to Jesus’ coming, God did not merely dismiss the charges against the guilty. Rather, God’s righteous demands were met in Jesus’ death. God proved to be “just” in not overlooking sin, and he also freely chose to act as “justifier” for “the one who has faith in Jesus” (v. 26). Our hearts are moved as we marvel at the wisdom of God in providing a righteous way of rescue for guilty sinners that does not in any way compromise his justice and holiness. We marvel, too, at God’s great love in sending his own Son to accomplish this salvation. (Gospel Transformation Study Bible)