March 21, 2018
Justified by Faith Through Grace
Romans 4:23–25
Michael Groves
Central Truth
God has always saved us by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
Romans 4:23–25
23 But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, 24 but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, 25 who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.
Dive Deeper | Romans 4:23–25
“But the words ‘it was counted to him’ were not written for his sake alone, but for ours also.” (Romans 4:23-24a) The word that stands out to me is “also.” Abraham was justified by faith alone. That is amazing news because, if he was saved by faith alone, that means “it was counted” to me also once I put my faith in Jesus.
The next verse says as much. “It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord” (Romans 4:24b).
How wonderful and majestic our Heavenly Father is! He has the same standard for rescuing His people way back when as He does today. I am amazed! God's standard for justification (fancy word for God declaring us sinners righteous) has always been, and will always be, full and complete trust and reliance in Him. That is it. That is the deal. He is who He says He is, and He does what He says He is going to do. I can rest in that.
When I first walked into the doors at Watermark some eight years ago, I thought I needed to hold up my end of the deal for God to love me. I thought some of us had bigger luggage to carry because of things we had done in the past, and some of us had lighter baggage. Through spending time in God's Word and having His people come around me, I have come to know we all stand guilty before God (Romans 3:23), we all deserve death (Romans 6:23), but the good news is God has always been in the business of transforming lives—and He still is! He doesn’t just talk about it. He sent his Son to die for us to demonstrate that (Romans 5:8).
Here is an excellent video for further insight into this passage:
This month's memory verse
20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.
The Righteousness of God Through Faith
21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—
– Romans 3:20–21
Discussion Questions
1. Have you put your faith in Christ?
2. Do you trust that Jesus claimed your baggage and removed the weight of it? If not, what is holding you back?
3. If you have, how do you praise God for this?