Receiving gifts as a child is a natural joy. From Christmas to birthdays, anticipation fills the air. As we transition into parenthood, we aspire to give the best gifts. Then, as we mature, we start purchasing things for ourselves, no longer needing to wait for special occasions. What we once longed for becomes what we acquire, and what we no longer ask for becomes what we don’t receive as gifts. Yet, there can sometimes be discomfort when receiving gifts. However, at its core, gift-giving is about sharing blessings with others.
Paul beautifully illustrates this concept of grace as a gift from God in his letter to the Romans.
“But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 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. 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)
Paul’s words remind us of the gift of grace bestowed upon us through Jesus Christ. This gift of justification and salvation is freely offered by God.
The LAW serves as a gift to humankind, revealing God’s righteousness and guiding us in how to honor our Creator and treat one another. It exposes sin and sets a standard for righteous living. Paul affirms that the Law and the Prophets testify to the revelation of God’s righteousness apart from Jewish law. However, humanity, in its pride and selfishness, often veers off course, rejecting the gift of the law and seeking its own righteousness.
Paul emphasizes that all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. Despite our best efforts, we cannot achieve righteousness on our own. Our attempts to do so only lead to further separation from God. Yet, in His boundless love and mercy, God offers us a second gift—the gift of redemption through Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Christ reconciles us to God, offering us a righteous status that we could never earn through our own works.
Justification, bestowed upon us by God’s grace, is not dependent on our adherence to the law but on our faith in Jesus Christ. It is a gift available to all who believe, regardless of background or behavior. Our response to this gift should be one of gratitude and obedience, striving for righteousness in every aspect of our lives.
Our lives are gifts from God, and every moment is an opportunity to embrace His righteousness. Despite our failures and shortcomings, God’s love is vast enough to overcome our rejection. Through Jesus Christ, God offers us redemption and reconciliation. Therefore, let us strive to live lives worthy of this gift, demonstrating our love and appreciation for God’s grace and mercy.
Horizon Community Church 