“… so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” (Romans 3:26b)
If you only had one verse to explain the reason Jesus had to die, the above one would be a good choice. Jesus died because God believes in justice and fairness… and He plays by His own rules. In other words, when God says that sin has a cost, that means it has a cost even if He is the one footing the bill.
Jesus died because God wants to justify us. He wants to wipe our slates clean and redeem us from its terrifying consequences, but God is also unwilling to take any shortcuts in paying our debt. So there are two options in a just world: I pay for my sins, or Jesus does.
Jesus died because God believes in justice enough to hold the line on the cost of sin, and He believes in forgiveness enough to pay a debt He did not owe.
Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites
Today’s Reading: Romans 3:21-31
Questions to ask:
- How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
- What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
- How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
- What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
- How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?
This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul. If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision