Romans 3:21-24

Romans 3:21-24 - Daily Devotion - 20 June 2026 St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park 21 But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, as attested by the Law and the Prophets. 22 And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.REFLECTIONSWritten by Ken WongToday's passage is a turning point in Romans. Up to this point, we have learnt of our sinfulness and depravity before God and that on our own we can never measure up to the standard that he requires. We can’t be found righteous before God by our works.But that’s where Jesus enters the picture. He himself is the righteousness of God, and when we put our faith or trust in him, he clothes us in his righteousness and generously supplies us with his grace so that we are forgiven and justified before God our Judge. His generosity is unceasing and his provisions are abundant. Despite Jesus' generosity I often find myself still looking for justification from the law or from my performance – somehow wanting to justify myself before God, hoping that my works are good enough to earn his favour. I say to God, “look at my achievements”, “what I good hubby or dad or friend I am,” “look how hard I work.” It’s good to work hard and be responsible with people in our lives. But to seek our value and self-esteem in the things we do is folly and building on shifting sand. Trying to win God’s favour through those things will lead either to pride or to despair.There is only one way to salvation and eternal life, and that is to come to the cross of Jesus in humility, with empty and open hands, knowing that there is nothing I can bring to bridge the gap between me and God. Christ alone has bridged it for us by his death on the cross. I pray that God keeps reminding us that our sins are many, but his mercy is more. ABOUT THE AUTHORKen is a member of our Fairfield Morning congregation.