We rejoice in the truth that our justification is solely by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ, apart from any works or merit of our own. This is the glorious gospel—the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). The Scriptures declare it clearly: *"Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus; whom God sent to be an atoning sacrifice, through faith in his blood, for a demonstration of his righteousness through the forgiveness of sins that are past, in God’s forbearance; to demonstrate his righteousness at this present time, that he might himself be just, and the justifier of him who has faith in Jesus"* (Romans 3:24-26, WEB).
This truth humbles us, for we were once dead in trespasses and sins, following the course of this world and the desires of our flesh (Ephesians 2:1-3). Yet God, being rich in mercy, made us alive together with Christ—*by grace we have been saved*—and raised us up with Him, seating us in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:4-6). There is no room for boasting, for it is *"not of works, so that no one may boast"* (Ephesians 2:9). Our righteousness is not our own; it is the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, a gift received by faith alone (Philippians 3:9).
Let us never forget that this grace, while free to us, came at the highest cost: the precious blood of Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). He who knew no sin became sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21). This is the heart of the gospel—the exchange at the cross where our sin was placed on Christ, and His righteousness was credited to us.
We must also remember that true faith is never alone; it is accompanied by repentance and a life transformed by the Holy Spirit. James reminds us that *"faith without works is dead"* (James 2:26). While our works do not save us, they are the fruit of a living faith, evidence that we have been born again by the Spirit of God. Let us examine ourselves to ensure that our faith is genuine, producing the fruit of obedience and love for God and others.
Now, let us pray together in gratitude for this indescribable gift:
Heavenly Father, we bow before You in awe and humility, for You have done what we could never do for ourselves. You justified us, not because of our righteousness, but because of Your great mercy and the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Lord, we confess that we are sinners, utterly undeserving of Your grace, yet You have lavished it upon us through Christ. We thank You that by His stripes we are healed, and by His blood we are cleansed from all unrighteousness.
Father, fill us with the knowledge of Your will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, that we may walk worthily of You, fully pleasing in every good work, and bearing fruit in every good work (Colossians 1:9-10). Help us to never take this grace for granted but to live lives that honor You, reflecting the righteousness of Christ in all we do. May our hearts overflow with gratitude, and may our lips continually proclaim the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).
Strengthen us, Lord, to stand firm in this grace, resisting the lies of the enemy that would tempt us to trust in our own efforts or to doubt Your goodness. Remind us daily that we are Your children, adopted into Your family through Jesus Christ, and that nothing can separate us from Your love (Romans 8:38-39).
We pray for those who have not yet received this gift of justification. Open their eyes to see their need for a Savior and the sufficiency of Christ’s work on the cross. Draw them to Yourself, Father, that they too may be saved by grace through faith.
In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, we pray. Amen.