10/27 – Romans 3:19-28 – Saved by Grace Alone

First Reading: Revelation 14:6-12

I saw an angel flying overhead with the everlasting Good News to spread to those who live on earth; to every nation, tribe, language, and people. The angel said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give glory to him, because the time of his judgment has come. Worship the one who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs.”

Another angel, a second one, followed him and said, “Fallen! Babylon the Great has fallen! She has made all the nations drink the wine of her passionate sexual sins.”

Another angel, a third one, followed them, and said in a loud voice, “Whoever worships the beast or its statue, whoever is branded on his forehead or his hand, will drink the wine of God’s fury which has been poured full strength into the cup of God’s anger. Then he will be tortured by fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and the Lamb. The smoke from their torture will go up forever and ever. There will be no rest day or night for those who worship the beast or its statue or for anyone branded with its name.” In this situation God’s holy people, who obey his commands and keep their faith in Jesus, need endurance.

Epistle Reading: Romans 3:19-28

We know that whatever the Scriptures say applies to everyone under their influence, and no one can say a thing. The whole world is brought under the judgment of God. Not one person can have God’s approval by any effort to follow the laws in the Scriptures. These laws show what sin is.

Now, the way to receive God’s approval has been made plain in a way other than the laws in the Scriptures. Moses’ Teachings and the Prophets tell us this. Everyone who believes has God’s approval through faith in Jesus Christ.

There is no difference between people. Because all people have sinned, they have fallen short of God’s glory. They receive God’s approval freely by an act of his kindness through the price Christ Jesus paid to set us free from sin. God showed that Christ is the throne of mercy where God’s approval is given through faith in Christ’s blood. In his patience God waited to deal with sins committed in the past. He waited so that he could display his approval at the present time. This shows that he is a God of justice, a God who approves of people who believe in Jesus.

So, do we have anything to brag about? Bragging has been eliminated. On what basis was it eliminated? On the basis of our own efforts? No, indeed! Rather, it is eliminated on the basis of faith. We conclude that a person has God’s approval by faith, not by his own efforts.

Gospel Reading: John 8:31-36

So Jesus said to those Jews who believed in him, “If you live by what I say, you are truly my disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

They replied to Jesus, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves to anyone. So how can you say that we will be set free?”

Jesus answered them, “I can guarantee this truth: Whoever lives a sinful life is a slave to sin. A slave does not live in the home forever, but a son does. So if the Son sets you free you will be absolutely free.