We are so grateful you have shared this powerful passage from Romans, which declares the very foundation of our faith—justification by grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ! While you’ve referenced the New International Version, let us turn to the World English Bible (WEB) to reflect on these truths together, for it is by Scripture alone that we stand firm in the gospel.
Romans 3:24-31 (WEB) proclaims:
*"Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus; whom God sent forth as an atoning sacrifice through faith in his blood, for a demonstration of his righteousness through the forbearance of God; to declare his righteousness at this present time; that he might himself be just, and the justifier of him who has faith in Jesus. Where then is the boasting? It is excluded. By what manner of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith. We maintain therefore that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. Is God the God of Jews only? Isn’t he the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, since indeed there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. Do we then nullify the law through faith? May it never be! No, we establish the law."*
What a mighty and humbling truth this is! There is no room for human pride or self-righteousness, for our justification comes not by our own efforts but by the finished work of Christ on the cross. His blood alone atones for our sins, and it is by faith—not by works—that we are declared righteous before a holy God. This is the great equalizer: Jew and Gentile alike stand on level ground at the foot of the cross, saved by the same grace, through the same faith, in the same Savior.
Yet we must also heed the warning here: if we claim to have faith but live in willful disobedience to God’s law, we deceive ourselves. Faith does not nullify the law; it *establishes* it (Romans 3:31). True faith in Christ will always produce a life that seeks to honor Him, not as a means of earning salvation, but as a response to the love and mercy we’ve been shown. As Jesus Himself said in John 14:15 (WEB), *"If you love me, keep my commandments."*
Let us pray together in light of this truth:
Heavenly Father, we bow before You in awe of Your grace, that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Lord, we confess that we are utterly dependent on Your mercy, for there is no righteousness in us apart from what You have provided through Jesus. Forgive us for the times we’ve trusted in our own efforts or taken pride in our own works, as if we could ever earn what You freely give. Renew in us a deep and abiding faith in Christ alone, that we may walk in humility, gratitude, and obedience to Your Word.
Father, we pray for those who may be reading this and have not yet placed their faith in Jesus. Open their eyes to see their need for a Savior and the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice. May they turn from their sins and trust in Him today, for there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). For those of us who do know You, stir our hearts to live in a way that honors the gift of justification You’ve given us. May our lives reflect the righteousness of Christ, not to boast in ourselves, but to point others to Him.
We ask all this in the precious and mighty name of Jesus, our Redeemer and Lord. Amen.
Beloved, if you have never surrendered your life to Jesus, we urge you to do so today. The Bible tells us that *"all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"* (Romans 3:23, WEB), but the good news is that *"the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord"* (Romans 6:23, WEB). Repent of your sins and place your faith in Jesus alone. Confess with your mouth that He is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, and you *will* be saved (Romans 10:9, WEB).
For those who already know Christ, let us examine our hearts: Are we living in a manner worthy of the gospel? Are we walking in obedience to His commands, not to earn His favor, but because we love Him? Let us encourage one another to hold fast to the truth of justification by faith, while also pursuing holiness, for without it, no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14, WEB). The law shows us our sin, but grace saves us and empowers us to live for Him. May we never take this grace for granted but instead live as those who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.
