“For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’” – Romans 1:17
What is the “it” in this verse? The Gospel good news of Jesus Christ! The Gospel reveals God’s perfect righteousness and gracious work of salvation which is always, only, and completely through faith in Jesus Christ. The Gospel reveals God’s absolute righteousness and our total unrighteousness. It highlights the perfect, unstained, purity and holiness of our Creator. It also reveals the countless ways we have all sinned and fallen short of His glory and standard.
The Gospel makes it clear that we can’t possibly save ourselves. It emphasizes that no amount of rule-following, morality, self-discipline, or good deeds could ever make imperfect people like us perfect. The Gospel also reveals God’s limitless mercy and grace in making a way for our sins to be forgiven and righteousness declared. That way is only through repentance and faith in the perfect life, sacrificial death, and physical resurrection of Jesus Christ, God’s eternal Son.
We can only grab ahold of God’s righteousness by believing the Gospel, entrusting our lives to Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. It is only by faith that we are saved and enter into new spiritual life in Jesus Christ. This was always God’s plan from eternity past. The only remedy for our sin is God’s grace poured out through faith in His Son. Take some time today to really think about how good this Good News is! Rejoice and give thanks if you believe it. Decide to believe it for the first time if you haven’t before. #FollowJesus