"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"
We all know this verse from Romans 3:23.
It is in the midst of these verses below.
This version is from the Amplified Bible, because I feel it brings clarity to what is being said.
Romans 3:21-26
21 But now the righteousness of God has been clearly revealed [independently and completely] apart from the Law, though it is [actually] confirmed by the Law and the [words and writings of the] Prophets.
22 This righteousness of God comes through faith in Jesus Christ for all those [Jew or Gentile] who believe [and trust in Him and acknowledge Him as God’s Son]. There is no distinction,
23 since all have sinned and continually fall short of the glory of God,
24 and are being justified [declared free of the guilt of sin, made acceptable to God, and granted eternal life] as a gift by His [precious, undeserved] grace, through the redemption [the payment for our sin] which is [provided] in Christ Jesus,
25 whom God displayed publicly [before the eyes of the world] as a [life-giving] sacrifice of atonement and reconciliation (propitiation) by His blood [to be received] through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness [which demands punishment for sin], because in His forbearance [His deliberate restraint] He passed over the sins previously committed [before Jesus’ crucifixion].
26 It was to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the One who justifies those who have faith in Jesus [and rely confidently on Him as Savior].
The righteousness of God has been "made manifest", meaning clearly revealed and it comes to us through faith in Jesus.
That is the only way we can be righteous.
Notice the idea of verse 23.
We all fall short or continually fall short.
Meaning it is not in the past, but even now, we are still falling short.
This is not meant to be a reprimand or discouragement.
It is meant to be an encouragement.
Even though we are sinners and not perfect and blameless.
God, in His grace, has made a way for us to be saved.
Notice verse 24, we "are being justified".
We are working out our salvation, not using this as an excuse to sin, but to realize we are all striving to be closer to the Lord's sinless example.
Through the grace of the Lord and the help of the Spirit, we are sanctifying ourselves.
We are removing sin from our lives.
Meanwhile, Jesus gave himself to give us His blood that makes us clean and sinless before God.
Jesus, Who is sinless, gives us His righteousness and took our guilt and blame and punishment on the cross.
This should encourage us and strengthen our hope and faith in Jesus.
For all sin and fall short of the glory of God.
But Jesus cleanses us all of all sin.
He gives us His righteousness to stand before the Father.
In ourselves, we are sinners and deserving of death.
Our works will never save us.
In Jesus, our debt is paid.
We are righteous and holy, God's own children.
And in Him we are destined for eternal life with the Lord.
Believe in Jesus, trust His saving blood and sacrifice.
Comments