Tuesday, July 2, 2024

July 2nd - Jesus Christ's Faith is for All Humanity

"Yet now, apart from law, a righteousness of God is manifest (being attested by the law and the prophets), yet a righteousness of God through Jesus Christ's faith, for all, and on all who are believing, for there is no distinction, for all sinned and are wanting of the glory of God. Being justified gratuitously in His grace, through the deliverance which is in Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:21-24)

Up until verse 21 of Chapter 3, the book of Romans has condemned all humanity for failing to live up to the righteous standards of the law of God. Yet, beginning with verse 21, the apostle Paul tells us the good news that God will save humanity because of "Jesus Christ's faith". His faith is "for all", and will be "on all" when they believe this good news. In Chapter 5 Paul summarizes what Jesus has done for all humans...

"Consequently, then, as it was through one offense for all humanity for condemnation, thus also it is through one just award for all humanity for life's justifying. For even as, through the disobedience of the one man, the many were constituted sinners, thus also, through the obedience of the One, the many shall be constituted just...where sin increases, grace superexceeds, that, even as Sin reigns in death, thus Grace also should be reigning through righteousness,  for everlasting life, through Jesus Christ, our Lord." (Romans 5:18-21)

Jesus Christ's faith freed humanity from sin and the law, and enslaved us to the free Grace of God...

"Yet, now, being freed from Sin, yet enslaved to God, you have your fruit for holiness. Now the consummation is everlasting life. For the wages of Sin is death, yet the gracious gift of God is everlasting life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:22-23)

When I first realized this truth I began "loving God" for the first time, rather than being afraid of Him. I became aware that He is working all things for the good of humanity, and that it is God's plan to conform humanity into the image of His Son at our resurrection.

"Now we are aware that God is working all together for the good of those who are loving God, who are called according to the purpose that, whom He foreknew, He designates beforehand, also, to be conformed to the image of His Son, for Him to be Firstborn among many brethren. Now whom He designates beforehand, these He calls also, and whom He calls, these He justifies also; now whom He justifies, these He glorifies also. What then shall we declare to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? Surely, He Who spares not His own Son, but gives Him up for us all, how shall He not, together with Him, also, be graciously granting us all?" (Romans 8:28-32)

December 22nd - Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

“He’s making a list and checking it twice, he’s gonna find out who’s naughty or nice...you better watch out, you better not cry, you better ...