When I was younger, I loved Christmas and my birthday because it meant that people would give me presents. I didn’t have to do anything special; I just asked for something, and magically it would appear. While my baser mind would have thought that I may have done something to deserve the gift, the truth was that I was born into a loving family that cared for me and wanted to bring a smile to my face by giving me a gift. Now, as I have transitioned to become the parent in the scenario, there is probably nothing my kids could do or say to make me not want to fulfill their wants and desires through gift-giving. 

Unfortunately, another side has blossomed in me as I have become an adult; I might be one of the worst people to get a gift. There is nothing that I would ask for that I cannot and will not simply buy myself. Part of this is that I am impatient, and another part is that I am uncomfortable with others getting me things. Even though I love the holidays and all the pomp and celebration, I could always do without the part where I am given gifts. However, there is a lesson for me, and those like me, to be patient and allow others to share a blessing.

Similarly, Paul reminds us that GRACE is a gift. As a gift, there was never anything we could have done to earn due to our disqualification in sin. Thus, we should be pleased to know God takes care of us, just as a perfect parent to handle the struggles that come by sending Jesus to Earth to offer us the gift of justification and salvation. Paul outlines this for us in the heart of this passage in Romans 3.

21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. 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, 25 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. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. 

Romans 3:21-26 (ESV)

The Law, a gift bestowed upon humanity, is a testament to God’s righteousness and guides how to treat one another while honoring our Creator. Through its revelation, the Law illuminates the holy character of God and promotes understanding of sin. It establishes righteous living as the standard for human thriving, showcasing God’s goodness. Both the Law and the Prophets bear witness to the revelation of God’s righteousness, separate from the requirements of Jewish law. Scriptures testify to the goodness of God and humanity’s yearning for it. The Law furnishes a framework for righteousness, with the prophets correcting deviations to realign people with divine principles. Paul views the Law as a delineator of boundaries, delineating a distinctive religious and lifestyle pattern for those within its confines. God intended the Law as a means for people to consecrate themselves to Him and embody His righteousness as a beacon to the world. However, like a child who abandons a toy once its novelty fades, the people disregarded their special status within the Law, neglecting their obligations as its adherents.

When Adam sinned, humanity lost the reflection of God’s image, setting the stage for a narrative of ingratitude and self-reliance. Paul articulates this human condition succinctly, emphasizing the universal nature of sin and our collective falling short of God’s glory. Humanity’s attempt to attain salvation through self-effort mirrors the futility of an archer’s arrow missing its mark or a runner lagging in a race. Seeking self-righteousness leads to a perpetual cycle of failure and pride, distancing us further from God’s ideal. The hopelessness of human achievement underscores the necessity for God’s intervention and the offer of redemption through faith. Despite our unworthiness, God extends a second gift: the opportunity for reconciliation and restoration. This gift is available to all, irrespective of background or status, emphasizing the inclusivity of God’s grace.

God exemplifies His righteousness, offering justification even amid humanity’s rebellion. At the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus, a significant shift occurred, altering our future trajectory. No longer reliant on ourselves, we now live out the light of Christ, solely justified by God’s righteousness. This righteousness, not contingent on adherence to the law, stems from Jesus’ salvific work on the cross, reconciling humanity with God. Christ’s death appeases God’s righteous anger, providing redemption for sinners through faith, not works. Paul underscores the continuity between Israel’s religion and the manifestation of God’s righteousness in Christ. God’s justice necessitated payment for sin, fulfilled through the costly sacrifice of His Son. Thus, the gift of grace demands reverence, as it came at great cost. Justification, a bestowal of righteous status, coincides with regeneration, a renewal of the heart. The gospel declares God’s reconciliation with humanity, an act of sheer generosity, applicable to all without exception, irrespective of their legal or covenantal status.

Our life is a gift. Every moment is an opportunity to embrace God’s righteousness or to move in a different direction. Paul elucidates that the Almighty cherishes our life, regardless of background or behavior. Our behavior has been a severe problem, as sin leads to our outright rejection of the righteousness of God and breaks down our relationship with God and our community. This brokenness is an outright rejection of the gift that God has shared and stands in contrast to God’s hope and peace. However, because God’s love is large enough to overcome our rejection, God showers humanity with a gift that maintains God’s sense of justice and redeems humanity through Jesus Christ. Therefore, to follow God, we must strive for righteousness and reconciliation in every aspect of our lives to show our appreciation and love for the gift of redemption.

Unknown's avatar

Published by JRMITCH85

I am often asked what describes you, which is a hard answer because sometimes I move in a thousand different directions. Some call me an engineer, others call me pastor, a few call me captain, some call me friend, others call me dad, and one calls me sweetheart. All of these things are descriptors and are accurate, but they don't fully capture me. My favorite place is in the mountains, enjoying the beauty of nature and God's creation, running and hiking around with my family and friends, and taking photos to cement the memories. However, the people that know me the best know that my favorite thing to do is come up with crazy adventures that push the limits of what our minds and bodies can do. My faith in God is important to me and drives me to look at creation the way I do. Because of my faith, I look at these adventures and running races from Half Marathons all the way to 24 hour races, as well as several Obstacle Course Races, as an opportunity to push the body God gave me as an act of worship. Hopefully, someday soon, I look toward running longer races and bigger adventures. My hope is that humanity can understand that the wild is a gift, and we need to care for it and quit destroying it by the way we live.

Leave a comment