[22b] For there is no distinction: [23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, [24] and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, [25a] whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. (Romans 3:22b–25a)
A half a millennium has passed since the start of the Reformation, yet diligence is still needed in recalling the biblical teaching that inspired our movement.
Our Scripture passage is the heart of the epistle for Reformation Day. It is a summary of the Gospel. We have all sinned and fall short of God’s glory. Yet we are saved by God’s grace through faith in Christ. For more than 500 years Lutherans have shared this Gospel week after week after week.
May we never become desensitized by hearing this Gospel, no matter how frequently we hear it. Due to our fallen natures, we are always at risk for falling into the same sins that gave rise to the Reformation. For example, we might fall into the trap of believing good works are necessary to earn salvation. The Roman Catholic Church still teaches we must do good works to earn the merits of Jesus’ forgiveness.
This unbiblical teaching can poison our relationship with God. It can create doubt. Have I done enough good works to please God? Have I done enough good works for God to answer my prayers? Have I done enough good works to gain entrance into heaven? Works righteousness to earn salvation is insipid.
Due to this risk, we will continue to constantly share the biblical teaching of the Gospel for the next half millennium. It is the essence of our relationship with God, both now and through eternity.
(A Second Look devotions are written for the congregations of the Ohio District LCMS.)
Kevin Wilson 360 