Redeemed by God
Paul’s letter to the churches in Rome is packed with deep insights into the nature of God, the power of Jesus’ work on the cross, and how that shapes how we live our lives. In the beginning of the letter, Paul gives his readers a few summary statements before diving in.
In Romans 1:16-17, Paul begins to discuss one of the main central ideas in the letter to the Romans.
He begins with the gospel. The gospel message is that while humanity was enslaved to sin, Jesus came and lived a perfect human life, and died on the cross in our place. He took on the punishment that we deserved, and paid the price in full.
Now, true life and salvation is available to everyone who believes in that gospel message. It is only through the message of the gospel that we can be truly saved.
Additionally, everyone has the same access to salvation. Nobody has special privilege or status before God to attain salvation first. Every single person on earth can receive salvation from God by believing in Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
Paul says that this message originally came to the Jews first, as Jesus’ mission on earth began with the people of God. However, this message spread through Jesus and the apostles to the Gentiles as well. Thus, everybody has access to the saving power of God through Jesus.
If this message is new to you, spend some time each day in God’s Word learning about the message and hope of the gospel. Thank God that He sent Jesus to make salvation available to all people, including yourself. Now, live in the assurance that you are saved and redeemed by God.
Live Prepared
Pause and think of the people who, at a moment’s notice, have to be ready for anything. Maybe your list includes first responders, the military, athletes, teachers, parents, pilots, surgeons, or pastors.
But does your list include you?
As followers of Jesus, we are called to…
“…Be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
1 Peter 3:15 NIV
We can’t expect people to observe what Jesus has commanded unless we are also observing His commands ourselves.
Do we want people to learn about God’s love? Then we need to show God’s love to people. Do we want people to learn about Jesus’ compassion? Then we need to be compassionate. Do we want people to give generously? Then we need to be good stewards of our own money. Do we want people to study God’s Word? Then we need to study it for ourselves.
When you give Jesus control over your life, you allow His ...